Premium
Synergistic Supports Beyond Carbon Black for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Anodes
Author(s) -
Huang Yiyin,
Babu Dickson D.,
Wu Maoxiang,
Wang Yaobing
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201801094
Subject(s) - carbon black , electrolyte , anode , materials science , commercialization , carbon fibers , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , fuel cells , polymer , noble metal , catalysis , metal , chemistry , electrode , metallurgy , organic chemistry , composite material , natural rubber , composite number , political science , law , engineering
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are among the most advanced energy technologies with low operating temperatures, high energy densities, ease of transportation and storage. However, the deficiencies such as low activity and high cost of the electrocatalysts at anodes greatly hinder their commercialization. The commonly used carbon black supports lack the capacity of regulation over the supported noble metals towards efficient electro‐catalytic oxidation of fuels. In this Mini‐Review, the prerequisite factors in advanced supports are outlined, ranging from self‐supported precious metal alloys as well as non‐noble metal materials, while simultaneously revealing the superiorities of some advanced supports beyond carbon black in terms of electronic conductivity, synergy with surface precious metals, chemical and electrochemical stability, and other possible interactions. The effects arisen from microscopic morphology, nano‐structure, and composition on the electrocatalytic activity/stability are also discussed. Finally, several of the most promising supports are highlighted, and the research trends of synergistic supports in future PEFCs are predicted.