New generation, metal-free electrocatalysts for fuel cells, solar cells and water splitting

Abstract

New electrocatalysts have become of increasing significance due to the need for inexpensive and effective catalysis in energy generating, converting and storage devices. Intrinsically conducting polymers such as PEDOT have recently been shown to provide an important new family of electrocatalytic materials. Studies thus far have demonstrated effective electrocatalysis in a range of contexts including for example in the iodine/iodide reaction and other similar reactions important in the dye sensitised solar cell, the oxygen reduction reaction fundamental to the fuel cell and metal–air batteries, and proton reduction in water to produce hydrogen. A general catalytic behaviour seems to be emerging in these studies. This article surveys recent progress in this field from our laboratories and others and foreshadows important new areas requiring study.