Platinum-based Alloy Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane (or polymer electrolyte membrane) (PEM) fuel cells are one type of clean energy converting device that can contribute to sustainable world development. PEM fuel cells use hydrogen or hydrocarbons for fuel and air as the oxidant, reacting through a silent electrochemical process at low temperatures (60–90 °C) to convert chemical energy to electricity with zero or low emissions. This technology is attractive mainly due to its environmentally friendly nature and highly efficient energy conversion as compared to traditional energy technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs). At our current stage of development, two kinds of PEM fuel cells are the most promising for commercialization: the hydrogen (H

2

)-fuelled PEM fuel cell, a major candidate for automobile applications to replace oil-dependant ICE technology; and the methanol-fuelled PEM fuel cell or direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), which shows great potential for applications in portable electronic devices.