Engineering of electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction: Recent advances and future challenges

The electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) has garnered a lot of attention in recent years as a potential driving force behind the advancement of fuel cell technology. Despite this, the MOR process is still quite difficult since it involves numerous extremely slow H+/e−steps, which necessitate the use of efficient electrode material. Despite the fact that Pt-based electrodes exhibit good MOR activity, it is not possible to use them with this technology on a large scale because of their low stability, alcohol tolerance, and high price. This review focuses on the fundamentals of the methanol oxidation reaction, together with their influencing factors, and activity descriptors. In addition, the current developments in non-Pt electrocatalysts for MOR applications are also highlighted. In conclusion, we discussed the difficulties that we have encountered with MOR as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.