Progress in the Development of Electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers

A review paper written by Kensaku Kodama, in collaboration with Tohoku University, was published in the Small Methods.

Fuel cells and water electrolysis play a vital role in maximizing the potential of renewable energy. The electrocatalysts used in these devices are key components that significantly affect cell performance and durability, and their raw materials typically include expensive and scarce noble metals such as platinum and iridium. Experimental studies using single-crystal electrodes, in which surface composition and structure are precisely controlled, have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of catalytic reactions and degradation, and have contributed to the efficient development of electrocatalysts.

In this paper, we reviewed the history and recent progress of these studies, including our own work, and discussed future research directions to be explored in studies using model electrodes. This review contributes to the realization of a hydrogen society by promoting catalyst research for fuel cells and water electrolysis.

Title: Progress in Experimental Methods Using Model Electrodes for the Development of Noble-metal-based Oxygen Electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Kodama, K., Todoroki, N.
Journal Name: Small Methods
Published: January 31, 2025
https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202401851