Carbon and non-carbon support materials for platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells

Carbon and other platinum-supporting materials have been studied as electrode catalyst component of low-temperature fuel cells. Platinum (Pt) is commonly used as the catalyst due to its high electro-catalytic activity. Current research is now focusing on using either modified carbon-based or non-carbon-based materials as catalyst supports to enhance the catalytic performance of Pt. In recent years, Pt and Pt-alloy catalysts supported on modified carbon-based and non-carbon-based materials have received remarkable interests due to their significant properties that can contribute to the excellent fuel cell performance. Thus, it is timely to review this topic, focusing on various modified carbon-based supports and their advantages, limitations and future prospects. Non-carbon-based support for Pt and Pt-alloy catalysts will also be discussed. Firstly, this review summarises the progress to date in the development of these catalyst support materials; from carbon black to the widely explored catalyst support, graphene. Secondly, a comparison and discussion of each catalyst support in terms of morphology, electro-catalytic activity, structural characteristics, and its fuel cell performance are emphasized. All the catalyst support materials reviewed are considered to be promising, high-potential candidates that may find commercial value as catalyst support materials for fuel cells. Finally, a brief discussion on cost relating Pt based catalyst for mass production is included.