Issue 8, 2011

Recent advances in catalysts for direct methanolfuel cells

Abstract

Over the past few decades, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have been intensively developed as clean and high-efficiency energy conversion devices. However, their dependence on expensive Pt-based catalysts for both the anode and the cathode make them unsuitable for large-scale commercialisation. The essential solution to addressing this shortfall is the development of low-Pt and non-Pt catalysts. Regarding this issue, considerable advances have been made with low-Pt alloys and core-shell-like catalysts, as well as non-platinum Pd–Me, Ru–Se and heat-treated MeNxCy-based catalysts. This perspective reviews potential pathways for increasing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of these catalysts. Fundamental understanding of the composition–activity and structure–activity relationships, innovative synthesis, and promising developmental directions are highlighted. Regarding durability, the main degradation mechanism of these catalysts and the corresponding mitigating strategies are presented.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
17 Mar 2011
Accepted
17 May 2011
First published
11 Jul 2011

Energy Environ. Sci., 2011,4, 2736-2753

Recent advances in catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

X. Zhao, M. Yin, L. Ma, L. Liang, C. Liu, J. Liao, T. Lu and W. Xing, Energy Environ. Sci., 2011, 4, 2736 DOI: 10.1039/C1EE01307F

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