Electrospun catalysts for PEMFC and PEMWE: A path to sustainable and efficient energy conversion

Abstract

The increasing global demand for energy highlights the need to diversify energy sources and enhancing sustainability. Water electrolysis (WE) and fuel cell (FC) technologies hold significant potential but are constrained by performance and cost challenges. State-of-the-art electrocatalysts often rely on critical materials, posing economic and supply limitations. Nanomaterials have emerged as key enablers for efficient electrocatalysts, offering high specific surface area and electrical conductivity, which improve mass transport and reduce critical material dependency. This review explores recent advancements in alternative electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) WE and FC, with a focus on electrospinning as fabrication method. Moreover, it discusses the integration of multiple production techniques, the synergy of metal alloys, activation treatments, and in situ doping strategies. Finally, an economic and feasibility analysis of the materials involved is provided, aiming to guide future developments toward cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen technologies.