PGM-Free Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: A Mini-Review on Stability Challenges

In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the development of platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. At the same time the limited durability of these catalysts remains a great challenge that needs to be addressed. This mini-review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the main causes of instability of PGM-free ORR catalysts in acidic environments, focusing on transition metal/nitrogen codoped systems (M-N-C catalysts, M: Fe, Co, Mn), particularly MN_x moiety active sites. Of several possible degradation mechanisms, demetalation and carbon oxidation are found to be the most likely reasons for M-N-C catalysts/cathodes degradation.