Nanomaterials for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

The development of fuel cell technology, especially the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, is progressed through the use of nanomaterials. This chapter introduces the recent development of nanostructured electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications. An overview of various synthesis methods for nanostructured electrocatalyts is first presented. The morphology control of the electrocatalysts is then discussed, including zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, multi-dimensional, and hollow structures. Multi-component electrocatalysts with improved durability and activity for various fuel cell reactions are also introduced. Finally, the advantage of using carbon nanotubes as electrocatalyst support and noncovalent functionalization of nanotube surface is discussed in detail.