Electrocatalysts and Membranes for Proton Exchange and Alkaline Fuel Cells
This community develops the catalysts, membranes, and electrode structures required to convert chemical energy into electricity in fuel cells, primarily using hydrogen, methanol, or ethanol as fuel sources.
The work centers on the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol oxidation, the two key electrochemical processes in these devices. Recurring materials include platinum-based alloys, high-entropy intermetallics, and carbon supports such as graphene oxide and porous carbon. The research focuses on enhancing electrocatalytic activity, durability, and efficiency in both acidic and alkaline media. Specific efforts target the design of polymer electrolyte membranes, catalyst layers, and ionomers that facilitate proton or oxygen transport. Applications span proton exchange membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, and microbial fuel cells, with a strong emphasis on reducing noble metal loading while maintaining performance.
The largest share of the community's output is found in platinum research, accounting for 6.4% of all platinum research, with 9,431 papers in this group. Oxygen and carbon also contribute significantly, representing 2.7% and 1.6% of their respective element research, with 14,933 and 14,417 papers here.
The community comprises 35,262 papers, publishing most frequently in Electrochimica Acta, the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, and the Journal of The Electrochemical Society.
Recent work continues to focus on optimizing high-entropy alloy surfaces for oxygen reduction, refining catalyst layer designs for low platinum loading, and investigating the mechanisms of methanol oxidation on modified platinum supports.