Catalyst development needs and pathways for automotive PEM fuel cells

Frederick T. Wagner, Hubert A. Gasteiger, Rohit Makharia, K. C. Neyerlin, Eric L. Thompson, Susan G. Yan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mass production of cost-competitive fuel cell vehicles will require oxygen reduction catalysts with 4 times the mass activity of current state-of-the-art platinum/carbon materials. The catalysts must maintain this high activity through the aggressive automotive duty cycle. Pt-alloy catalysts have to date given at least half the required activity gain, and the activity advantages of alloys vs. pure Pt are maintained in PEMFCs even under low-humidification conditions. Alloys show durability advantages, but sometimes-seen losses of specific activity must be understood. Consideration of the mechanisms whereby alloys enhance oxygen reduction activity has led to literature reports of several promising pathways to 4x Pt activity, primarily through control of catalyst particle surface structure and subsurface layer composition. A critical topic for upcoming research will be to determine whether activities enhanced by such structural control can be made durable against realistic drive cycles. copyright The Electrochemical Society.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages19-29
Number of pages11
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)1566775019
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting - Cancun, Mexico
Duration: 29 Oct 20063 Nov 2006

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1
Volume3
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

ConferenceProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityCancun
Period29/10/063/11/06

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