Recent Progress on Durable Metal-N-C Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

It is essential for the widespread application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to investigate low-cost, extremely active, and long-lasting oxygen reduction catalysts. Initial performance of PGM-free metal-nitrogen-carbon (M−N−C) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has advanced significantly, particularly for Fe−N−C-based catalysts. However, the insufficient stability of M−N−C catalysts still impedes their use in practical fuel cells. In this review, we focus on the understanding of the structure-stability relationship of M−N−C ORR catalysts and summarize valuable guidance for the rational design of durable M−N−C catalysts. In the first section of this review, we discuss the inherent degrading mechanisms of M−N−C catalysts, such as carbon corrosion, demetallation, H₂O₂ attack, etc. As we gain a thorough comprehension of these deterioration mechanisms, we shift our attention to the investigation of strategies that can mitigate catalyst deterioration and increase its stability. These strategies include enhancing the anti-oxidation of carbon, fortifying M−N bonds, and maximizing the effectiveness of free radical scavengers. This review offers a prospective view on the enhancement of the stability of non-noble metal catalysts.