Alternative Electrocatalyst Support Materials for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Durability of electrocatalysts under severe operational conditions of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is one of the most important technological issues to be improved. Alternative electrocatalyst support materials are desired, the use of which may solve problems such as oxidation-induced carbon support corrosion. One interesting solution is to use conductive oxide-based catalyst support. We focus our attention to SnO2, known as an oxide semiconductor with a high electronic conductivity. Nano-carbon support materials are also studied as an another option of electrocatalyst support design. Technical merits and remaining issues in alternative electrocatalyst support materials selection are discussed.