Platinum Group Metal-free (PGM-free) Fe-based (Fe-N-C) Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells

Abstract In Direct Alcohols Fuel Cells (DAFCs), the oxidation of alcohols happens at the expenses of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) at the cathode. DAFCs cathodes use a significant amount of platinum that is an expensive critical raw material. Moreover, platinum oxidizes alcohols a fact that combined with alcohol crossover decreases significantly the performance of the cells. The use of Fe-based (Fe-N-C) platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) cathodes is a convenient strategy to overcome these limitations. This review analyzes the application of PGM-free cathodes to DAFCs. The discussion focuses on acidic systems and covers the following subjects: i) the breakdown of DAFC cell potential in its components; ii) the analysis of the advantages from the use of PGM-free cathode; ii) a review of the performance and durability of DAFCs. The review closes with a view of the author of the future perspective for the research.