Nanostructured Platinum Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell Applications: Recent Advances

The use of Platinum based electro-catalysts is still fundamental in Low Temperature Fuel Cells such as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells due to the exceptional activity and durability of Platinum for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in Acidic Conditions. However, the high cost of Platinum, the poor utilization of Platinum, and the significant losses in durability caused by dissolution, aggregation, alloy leach, and corroded supports have been major hindrances to widespread commercialization. This Review Paper will review the advancements in the last decade of Nano Structured Platinum Electro-Catalysts and their Structure Activity Durability (SAD) relationship and compare them to the platinum loadings and mass transport limitations that have been reported historically. In addition, the paper will investigate the effects of particle size, particle shape, dimensionality, alloying, strain engineering, and metal support interaction on the ORR Kinetics and Long-Term Stability of these nano-structures. A particular focus will be placed on one dimensional nano-wire, hollow and open architecture, Pt skin, and core-shell structures, and strong metal-support interactions that inhibit degradation while enhance catalytic activity. The paper will also critique common errors in reporting and benchmarking performance, which include the discrepancy between half-cell level tests and device level tests. Lastly, the paper will discuss design principles and future research direction for the advancement of Platinum Catalysts that are Durable, Scalable and Economically Viable. Ultimately, the purpose of this paper is to provide a platform for the advancement of Platinum Catalysts to Practical Fuel Cell Applications through a combination of mechanistic understanding, realistic testing protocol, and scalable synthesis strategy.