Metal‐Free Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials: Fuel Cell Applications as Electrocatalysts

Fuel cell, one of the most sustainable devices in energy conversion technology, holds great potential for development of clean and efficient energy convertors. However, high cost, inferior crossover tolerance, low stability upon prolonged operation, and sluggish kinetics of platinum (Pt), the most common existing electrocatalyst in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hamper the further progress of fuel cell technology. To tackle this issue, metal-free carbon-based nanomaterials have been investigated in depth recently and are potentially alternative ORR electrocatalysts to substitute existing Pt-based electrocatalysts because of comparable ORR performance along with lower cost. In this chapter, the preparation and ORR performance of various classes of metal-free nanocarbon materials will be discussed. At the end, their fabrication as cathodic catalyst in fuel cells will also be covered.