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Title: Durability challenges and perspective in the development of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Journal Article · · Current Opinion in Electrochemistry

Significant advancement in the development of highly active platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts is giving rise to the possibility of a low-cost replacement for Pt electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, before the successful implementation of PGM-free electrocatalysts, the challenge of long-term stability under fuel cell operating conditions needs to be addressed. In this paper, the current status of PGM-free electrocatalyst performance and durability is reviewed. A perspective on the route for the study of degradation mechanisms in PGM-free electrocatalysts in both half-cell and membrane electrode assembly environments is presented. The analysis of proposed degradation mechanisms suggests classification into two relevant length scales: atomic scale and macro/mesoscale. Finally, an overview of different characterization techniques (both experimental and theoretical) for studying different possible degradation mechanisms is outlined. Directly addressing the underlying mechanisms leading to loss of activity in PGM-free electrocatalysts will provide valuable insight necessary for the development of next-generation materials with improved durability capable of competing with Pt-based counterparts.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Sustainable Transportation Office. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-06NA25396
OSTI ID:
1459825
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1701917
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-18-21822
Journal Information:
Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, Vol. 9; ISSN 2451-9103
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 105 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (11)

Experimental and Theoretical Trends of PGM-Free Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Different Transition Metals journal January 2019
High-performance water oxidation catalysts based on the spontaneous deposition of ruthenium on electrochemically exfoliated graphene oxide journal January 2019
Toward Efficient Carbon and Water Cycles: Emerging Opportunities with Single‐Site Catalysts Made of 3d Transition Metals journal November 2019
Atomically Dispersed Iron Cathode Catalysts Derived from Binary Ligand-Based Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks with Enhanced Stability for PEM Fuel Cells journal January 2019
Impedance Spectroscopy Characterization of PEM Fuel Cells with Fe-N-C-Based Cathodes journal January 2019
Methanol-Tolerant M–N–C Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions in Acidic Media and Their Application in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells journal December 2018
Platinum group metal-free catalysts boost cost competitiveness of fuel cell vehicles journal July 2019
Correlation between Precursor Properties and Performance in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Pt and Co “Core-shell” Carbon Nitride-Based Electrocatalysts journal November 2019
Integrating PGM‐Free Catalysts into Catalyst Layers and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Devices journal December 2018
Progress in the Development of Fe‐Based PGM‐Free Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction journal December 2018
PGM‐Free Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: A Mini‐Review on Stability Challenges journal December 2018

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