Metal-Free Catalysts for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are closer to commercialization than other fuel cells. These energy-conversion systems have extremely high potential, especially for portable devices. But the high cost of these fuel cells is the biggest obstacle to the commercialization of these devices. Many researchers have reported that anode and cathode catalysts account for the highest shares of fuel cell costs. These high costs are mainly driven by the costs of precious metals, which are used as anode and cathode catalysts for fuel cells for their high activity and stability. This chapter examines the preparation, characterization, and performances of platinum-free carbon-based and carbon-based metal-free anode and cathode catalysts for DMFCs. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.