Park Subin, Lee Eungjun, Park Yoonsu, Kim Myeong-Geun, Yoo Sung Jong
Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
Division of Energy & Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
JACS Au. 2025 Mar 31;5(4):1617-1632. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.5c00173. eCollection 2025 Apr 28.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are emerging as a key technology in the transition to hydrogen-based energy systems, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) that face operational challenges, such as frequent startup-shutdown cycles and fuel starvation. However, the widespread adoption of PEMFCs has been limited by their durability and long-term performance issues, which are crucial for heavy-duty applications. This Perspective focuses on recent advancements in PEMFC catalysts and supports, with an emphasis on strategies to enhance their durability. We introduce Pt-based intermetallic catalysts, including Pt transition metal (TM) alloys, which offer improved stability and activity through regular atomic arrangements and strengthened metal-support interactions. Hybrid catalysts combining Pt with M-N-C (M = Fe, Co) have shown promise in boosting performance by enhancing the catalytic activity while reducing the platinum content. Moreover, stringent conditions must be met to meet the HDV requirements. Consequently, alternative support materials, such as metal oxides and graphitized carbons, have been introduced to enhance both the corrosion resistance and the electrical conductivity, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional carbon supports. Structural innovations and material advancements are essential for optimizing catalysts and supports to achieve long-term PEMFC performance. This Perspective provides a comprehensive overview of key developments in catalyst and support design, offering insights into current challenges and future directions for achieving durable and cost-effective PEMFCs.
质子交换膜燃料电池（PEMFC）正在成为向氢基能源系统转型的一项关键技术，尤其适用于面临频繁启停循环和燃料短缺等运行挑战的重型车辆（HDV）。然而，PEMFC的广泛应用受到其耐久性和长期性能问题的限制，而这些问题对于重型应用至关重要。本观点聚焦于PEMFC催化剂和载体的最新进展，重点关注提高其耐久性的策略。我们介绍了基于铂的金属间化合物催化剂，包括铂过渡金属（TM）合金，它们通过规则的原子排列和强化的金属-载体相互作用提供了更好的稳定性和活性。将铂与M-N-C（M =铁、钴）结合的混合催化剂在提高催化活性的同时降低铂含量，从而提升性能方面显示出了潜力。此外，必须满足严格的条件才能满足重型车辆的要求。因此，已引入替代载体材料，如金属氧化物和石墨化碳，以提高耐腐蚀性和导电性，从而解决传统碳载体的局限性。结构创新和材料进步对于优化催化剂和载体以实现PEMFC的长期性能至关重要。本观点全面概述了催化剂和载体设计的关键进展，深入探讨了实现耐用且经济高效的PEMFC目前面临的挑战和未来方向。
