Palladium-Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Fuel cells are clean energy devices that are expected to help address the energy and environmental problems in our society. Platinum-based nanomaterials are usually used as the electrocatalysts for both the anode (hydrogen oxidation) and cathode (oxygen reduction) reactions. The high cost and limited resources of this precious metal hinder the commercialization of fuel cells. Recent efforts have focused on the discovery of palladium-based electrocatalysts with little or no platinum for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This chapter overviews the recent progress of electrocatalysis of palladium-based materials including both extended surfaces and nanostructured ones for ORR. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.[Shao, M.] UTC Power, 195 Governor's Highway, South Windsor, CT, 06074, United State