Factors Affecting the Electrochemical Activity of Catalyst Layer and Performance of Polymer Fuel Cell

In recent years, fuel cells have attracted considerable attention due to their high energy efficiency with zero emissions. Electrocatalysts are some of the key materials used in low-temperature fuel cells such as the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell(PEM). Creating high-performance and stable/durable catalysts is widely recognized as a key step for the further development and commercialization of PEMs. Catalysts supported on high surface area carbon black are widely used in PEMs. However, the corrosion of carbon black has been recognized as one of major causes of performance degradation and durability issues of PEMs under high-potential conditions. So the need for alternative supports with outstanding physical and mechanical properties to carry out the successful reaction in catalyst layer and give a longer lifetime for the electrocatalysts is inevitable. The emergence of nanothechnology has opened up new avenues of materials development for PEMs. This study presents the PEMs performance with a variety of nanostructured based materials as a catalyst support. The improved electrochemical activity of the nanostructured electrocatalysts are highlighted.