Recent Advances in Pt Catalysts and Membrane Electrode Assemblies Fabrication for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been identified as a highly promising means of achieving sustainable energy conversion. A crucial factor in enhancing the performance of PEMFCs for further potential energy applications is the advancement in the field of catalyst engineering that has led to remarkable performance enhancement in facilitating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Subsequently, it is important to acknowledge that the techniques used in preparation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), the vital constituents of PEMFCs, also possess direct and critical influence on exhibiting the full catalytic activity of meticulously crafted catalysts. Here, a succinct summary of the most recent advancements in Pt catalysts for ORR was offered and their underly catalytic mechanism were discussed. Then, both laboratory-scale and industrial-scale MEA fabrication techniques of Pt catalysts were summarized. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the connections between materials, process, and performance in MEA fabrication was presented in order to facilitate the development of optimal catalyst layers.