Low platinum-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells: status and prospects

As the most practical catalysts for PEM fuel cells, the activity and durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts significantly determine its performance, cost, and durability. The activity and durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts are impacted by size, shape, and dispersion on support, which are affected by the synthesis process, including (1) functionalization of commercial carbon support; (2) methods for loading Pt-based electrocatalysts onto carbon support; (3) control of size and shape of Pt-based electrocatalysts; and (4) postsynthesis treatment. To promote the mass production of carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts, the future direction of research includes (1) fully exploiting the potential of functionalization of commercial carbon support, (2) scaling up one-pot synthesis, and (3) simplifying the postsynthesis treatment process. One-pot synthesis in aqueous, instead of organic reaction system, and minimal use of organic materials are preferred to simplify the synthesis and postsynthesis treatment process and to promote the mass production of electrocatalysts.