Nanostructured alloy catalysts

Nanostructured alloy catalysts have a wide range of applications. One application is in the area of fuel cells which serve on-board electric power sources for advanced propulsion systems, non-polluting electric vehicles and portable devices. Catalysts constitute about 30% of the cost in manufacturing fuel cells. Currently, low activity, poor durability and high cost of the platinum-based anode and cathode catalysts in PEMFCs and DMFCs constitute some of the major barriers to commercialization of fuel cells. The durability of Pt-based catalysts can be compromised by sintering and dissolution, especially at high electrode potentials or under load-cycling. Recent progress in nano-engineering of bimetallic/trimetallic alloy catalysts shows promises in production of low-cost, robust, and active catalysts for fuel cell application. This presentation discusses latest development of the optimization of the activity and stability of such alloy catalysts towards fuel cell commercialization.