Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), is a technology that has the
potential to economically replace combustion engines for transport with high
efficiency, and clean (only water emission) energy. The US department of
energy (DOE) identifies two remaining major hurdles to the deployment of this
alternative: cost and durability of the cathode. Reducing the amount of
platinum, still the only material with the needed catalytic activity for oxygen
reduction reaction on the cathode, and the most expensive component, will
help overcome the first problem and the creation of a new, ‘non-carbon’,
more oxidation-resistant catalyst support material could overcome the
second.US Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technology and Fuel Cell
Technology Program
