Introduction of Surface Modifiers on the Pt-Based Electrocatalysts to Promote the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Process

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Platinum-based electrocatalysts are crucial for efficient acid oxygen reduction reactions in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
• Surface issues like non-active species interference, mass transfer resistance, and corrosion limit catalyst performance in acidic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review surface modification strategies for platinum-based electrocatalysts.
• To analyze the mechanisms behind performance improvements achieved through surface modification.
• To discuss future prospects and current limitations in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on surface-modified platinum-based electrocatalysts.
• Analysis of various surface modification techniques, including silicon/carbon layers, amine molecules, and ionic liquids.
• Examination of the impact of these modifications on catalyst efficiency and durability.

Main Results:

• Surface modification effectively mitigates interference from non-active species and improves mass transfer.
• Modified electrocatalysts demonstrate significant performance enhancements in acid oxygen reduction reactions.
• Specific modifiers like silicon, carbon, amines, and ionic liquids show promise in protecting platinum surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification is a key strategy for advancing platinum-based electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.
• Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and optimize modification techniques for long-term stability and efficiency.
• Continued development holds promise for more robust and high-performing proton exchange membrane fuel cells.