Abstract
The current electrocatalyst formulation for the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), platinum supported on carbon (Pt/C), is known to be an effective promoter of redox reactions in fuel cells. However, the cost of Pt (currently ~$2,000/troy ounce) hinders its use as a practical catalyst in commercial fuel cell-powered vehicles at current platinum loading. Another issue with respect to adoption of any electrocatalyst for vehicle applications is durability, especially in light of transportation drive cycle operation with start/stop, start-up/shut-down, and transient requirements. Thus, a robust alternative to current Pt/C technology is needed as the PEMFC electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding cathode catalyst research on low-platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts, including alloys and core-shell systems, and on non-PGM catalysts. This paper provides an overview of the issues, approaches, and status of the research.