Synergetic Structural Transformation of Pt Electrocatalyst into Advanced 3D Architectures for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Jong Min Kim, Jong Min Kim, Joo‐Hyung Kim, Joo‐Hyung Kim, Jun Kim, Jun Kim, Youngjoon Lim, Yongmin Kim, Afroz Alam, Jae‐Seung Lee, Hyunchul Ju, Hyung Chul Ham, Jin Young Kim, Jin Young Kim
Abstract
A new direction for developing electrocatalysts for hydrogen fuel cell systems has emerged, based on the fabrication of 3D architectures. These new architectures include extended Pt surface building blocks, the strategic use of void spaces, and deliberate network connectivity along with tortuosity, as design components. Various strategies for synthesis now enable the functional and structural engineering of these electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic, ionic, and electrochemical features. The new architectures provide efficient mass transport and large electrochemically active areas. To date, although there are few examples of fully functioning hydrogen fuel cell devices, these 3D electrocatalysts have the potential to achieve optimal cell performance and durability, exceeding conventional Pt powder (i.e., Pt/C) electrocatalysts. This progress report highlights the various 3D architectures proposed for Pt electrocatalysts, advances made in the fabrication of these structures, and the remaining technical challenges. Attempts to develop design rules for 3D architectures and modeling, provide insights into their achievable and potential performance. Perspectives on future developments of new multiscale designs are also discussed along with future study directions.