Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Significant Advances, Major Challenges, and Future Directions

IF 11.3 1区化学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

ACS Catalysis Pub Date : 2025-05-16 DOI:10.1021/acscatal.5c00903

Sami Mohammed Alfaifi, Rajkamal Balu, Ken Chiang, Namita Roy Choudhury, Naba K. Dutta

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Abstract

Electrocatalysts are indispensable in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). ORR is also an essential step for several important energy conversion technologies including metal-air batteries and hydrogen peroxide production. Because of their high energy density, high conversion efficiency, and very low pollution levels, PEMFCs have received extraordinary attention as one of the most promising options for stationary, automotive, and mobile applications in the future. However, the cost and the sluggish kinetics of ORR at the cathode are some of the major contributors to the efficiency losses in the PEMFCs. This article examines the latest breakthroughs in metal and metal-alloy electrocatalysts, as well as explores the current developments in Pt-free alternative options. We critically assessed the significance of electrocatalyst synthesis methods, alternative catalyst support systems, and design and optimization of the cathode layer. The report delivers an insightful discussion on possible future research directions about ORR electrocatalysis in PEMFCs. Finally, it advocates for an expanded research perspective that integrates environmentally friendly synthesis methods with innovative materials engineering, along with computational studies, machine learning, and data science to gain deeper insights. By fostering advanced discussions and a visionary perspective, this work aims to pave the way for a more cost-effective and efficient future in energy technology and hydrogen infrastructure development.

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质子交换膜燃料电池中氧还原反应的电催化剂：重大进展、主要挑战和未来方向

在质子交换膜燃料电池（pemfc）中，电催化剂是促进氧还原反应（ORR）必不可少的催化剂。ORR也是几个重要的能量转换技术的重要步骤，包括金属-空气电池和过氧化氢生产。由于其高能量密度、高转换效率和极低的污染水平，pemfc作为未来固定式、汽车和移动应用中最有前途的选择之一受到了极大的关注。然而，成本和阴极ORR的缓慢动力学是导致pemfc效率损失的一些主要因素。本文介绍了金属和金属合金电催化剂的最新突破，并探讨了目前无铂替代方案的发展。我们批判性地评估了电催化剂合成方法、替代催化剂支持系统以及阴极层设计和优化的重要性。报告对pemfc中ORR电催化的未来可能的研究方向进行了有见地的讨论。最后，它提倡扩大研究视角，将环境友好型合成方法与创新材料工程，以及计算研究，机器学习和数据科学相结合，以获得更深入的见解。通过促进深入的讨论和富有远见的观点，这项工作旨在为能源技术和氢基础设施发展的更具成本效益和效率的未来铺平道路。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

ACS Catalysis CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL-

CiteScore

20.80

自引率

6.20%

发文量

1253

审稿时长

1.5 months

期刊介绍： ACS Catalysis is an esteemed journal that publishes original research in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, molecular catalysis, and biocatalysis. It offers broad coverage across diverse areas such as life sciences, organometallics and synthesis, photochemistry and electrochemistry, drug discovery and synthesis, materials science, environmental protection, polymer discovery and synthesis, and energy and fuels. The scope of the journal is to showcase innovative work in various aspects of catalysis. This includes new reactions and novel synthetic approaches utilizing known catalysts, the discovery or modification of new catalysts, elucidation of catalytic mechanisms through cutting-edge investigations, practical enhancements of existing processes, as well as conceptual advances in the field. Contributions to ACS Catalysis can encompass both experimental and theoretical research focused on catalytic molecules, macromolecules, and materials that exhibit catalytic turnover.