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Novel Catalyst Support Materials for PEM Fuel Cells: Current Status and Future Prospects

Journal Article · · Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19(1):46-59
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/b808370c· OSTI ID:945997

The catalyst supports exhibit great influence on the cost, performance, and durability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. This review paper is to summarize several important kinds of novel support materials for PEM fuel cells (including direct methanol fuel cell, DMFC): nanostructured carbon materials (carbon nanotubes/carbon nanofibers, mesoporous carbon), conductive doped diamonds and nanodiamonds, conductive oxides (tin oxide/indium tin oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide) and carbides (tungsten carbides). The advantages and disadvantages, the acting mechanism to promote electrocatalysis, and the strategies to improve present catalyst support materials and to search for new ones are discussed. This is expected to throw light on future development of catalyst support for PEM fuel cells.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
945997
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-60962; 24822; EB4209000
Journal Information:
Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19(1):46-59, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19(1):46-59 Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 19; ISSN JMACEP; ISSN 0959-9428
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English