Recent Developments in Electrocatalysts and Hybrid Electrocatalyst Support Systems for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Electrocatalysts and their supports are the most crucial components of a fuel cell setup. This chapter examines the recent developments in various Pt and non-Pt-based electrocatalyst systems focusing on novel zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional morphologies. It further explores the different carbon and noncarbon materials used as supports for these electrocatalysts. Influence of support on electrocatalyst performance, role of catalyst–support interactions, effect of surface functional groups on electrocatalyst–supports are also deliberated upon. Hybrid electrocatalyst–support systems combining carbon and noncarbon supports along with the use of polymers andPOMs have also been reflected upon. Finally, expected future trends in electrocatalyst-support systems have been examined.