Platinum at the Fuel-Cell Cathode
Oxygen reduction as the major platinum-catalyst challenge in PEM fuel cells.
What this topic covers
Oxygen reduction as the major platinum-catalyst challenge in PEM fuel cells.
Core energy-system ideas
At the cathode, oxygen reacts with protons and electrons to form water.
Oxygen reduction is slower than hydrogen oxidation and typically drives much of the catalyst requirement.
Catalyst structure and transport through the catalyst layer influence practical performance.
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.