Catalyst Supports in PEM Fuel Cells

What this topic covers

Why platinum is commonly dispersed on conductive high-surface-area supports.

Core energy-system ideas

Supports help expose more platinum surface per unit metal mass.

Support corrosion or structural change can contribute to catalyst degradation.

Alternative supports are researched to improve durability and catalyst utilization.

Important tradeoffs

Catalyst loading should be evaluated together with mass activity, transport, manufacturing and durability.

Material and performance evidence

Water, heat, gas purity and transient operation can change how effectively platinum catalyst layers perform.

Lifecycle perspective

The stack contains much more than platinum, so catalyst improvement does not eliminate balance-of-plant constraints.