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

Abstract

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.

Authors:
ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [1];  [1]
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  1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Sustainable Transportation Office. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office
OSTI Identifier:
1459825
Alternate Identifier(s):
OSTI ID: 1701917
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-18-21822
Journal ID: ISSN 2451-9103
Grant/Contract Number:  
AC52-06NA25396
Resource Type:
Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
Current Opinion in Electrochemistry
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 9; Journal ID: ISSN 2451-9103
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Citation Formats

Martinez, Ulises, Babu, Siddharth Komini, Holby, Edward F., and Zelenay, Piotr. Durability challenges and perspective in the development of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. United States: N. p., 2018. Web. doi:10.1016/j.coelec.2018.04.010.
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Martinez, Ulises, Babu, Siddharth Komini, Holby, Edward F., & Zelenay, Piotr. Durability challenges and perspective in the development of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coelec.2018.04.010
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Martinez, Ulises, Babu, Siddharth Komini, Holby, Edward F., and Zelenay, Piotr. Thu . "Durability challenges and perspective in the development of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction". United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coelec.2018.04.010. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1459825.
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@article{osti_1459825,
title = {Durability challenges and perspective in the development of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction},
author = {Martinez, Ulises and Babu, Siddharth Komini and Holby, Edward F. and Zelenay, Piotr},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {10.1016/j.coelec.2018.04.010},
journal = {Current Opinion in Electrochemistry},
number = ,
volume = 9,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2018},
month = {Thu Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2018}
}
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coelec.2018.04.010
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    Experimental and Theoretical Trends of PGM-Free Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Different Transition Metals
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    Integrating PGM‐Free Catalysts into Catalyst Layers and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Devices
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    • Banham, Dustin; Choi, Ja‐Yeon; Kishimoto, Takeaki
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    • DOI: 10.1002/adma.201804846

    Progress in the Development of Fe‐Based PGM‐Free Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
    journal, December 2018

    • Martinez, Ulises; Komini Babu, Siddharth; Holby, Edward F.
    • Advanced Materials, Vol. 31, Issue 31
    • DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806545

    PGM‐Free Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: A Mini‐Review on Stability Challenges
    journal, December 2018

    • Shao, Yuyan; Dodelet, Jean‐Pol; Wu, Gang
    • Advanced Materials, Vol. 31, Issue 31
    • DOI: 10.1002/adma.201807615
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