Electrocatalyst and electrode design strategies for durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The ambition to achieve high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with a low Pt loading has been a driving force for researchers to develop active and durable electrocatalysts and electrodes for oxygen reduction reactions. While progress has been made in reducing material costs and improving electrocatalyst activity over the past decades, there remains a significant need for breakthroughs in durability enhancement to enable large-scale commercialization. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in durability enhancements of PEMFCs, along with the design of durable electrocatalysts and electrodes. The strategies for achieving durability improvements are categorized into three key aspects: active sites, support materials, and electrode design. Furthermore, research insights and suggestions for accelerating the optimization process of low Pt loading PEMFCs are provided.