Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2020, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5): 739-755.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(19)63407-8

• Special Column on Electrocatalysis • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Pt alloy oxygen-reduction electrocatalysts: Synthesis, structure, and property

Xiao Xia Wanga,b, Joshua Sokolowskib, Hui Liuc, Gang Wub   

  1. a School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
    b Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
    c Shanghai Power & Energy Storage Battery System Engineering Tech. Co. Ltd., Shanghai 200241, China
  • Received:2019-05-10 Revised:2019-07-10 Online:2020-05-18 Published:2019-12-31
  • Contact: S1872-2067(19)63407-8
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21805089), Shanghai Natural Science Foundation of China (16ZR1408600), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (222201814024), and the financial support from U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office.

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered a promising power source for electric vehicles and stationary residential applications. However, current PEMFCs have several problems that require solutions, including high cost, insufficient power density, and limited performance durability. A kinetically sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is primarily responsible for these issues. The development of advanced Pt-based catalysts is crucial for solving these problems if the large-scale application of PEMFCs is to be realized. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the development of PtM alloy (M=Fe, Co, Ni, etc.) catalysts with an emphasis on ordered PtM intermetallic catalysts, which exhibit significantly enhanced activity and stability. In addition to exploring the intrinsic catalytic performance in traditional aqueous electrolytes via engineering nanostructures, morphologies, and crystallinity of PtM particles, we highlight recent efforts to study catalysts under real fuel cell environments by the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

Key words: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell, Oxygen reduction reaction, Low Pt catalyst, Catalytic activity, Stability