Current Situation of Catalysts Used in ORR Reaction in Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Suzhou Science & Technology Town Foreign Language School, Suzhou, 215163, China

^* Corresponding author: 631501011105@mails.cqjtu.edu.cn

Abstract

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical process in hydrogen fuel cells, determining their overall efficiency and performance. However, the inherently slow kinetics of ORR significantly restricts the power output of these cells, necessitating the use of catalysts to achieve reasonable performance levels. Currently, platinum (Pt) and its alloys dominate the market as the most effective catalysts for ORR due to their superior catalytic activity and stability. Despite their advantages, the high cost and scarcity of platinum pose significant challenges to the large-scale commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells, driving the search for more cost- effective alternatives. This article explores the characteristics of platinum- based catalysts and discusses two promising substitutes, with a particular focus on Fe-N-C catalysts. The structural features, performance advantages, and limitations of Fe-N-C catalysts are analyzed in detail, along with their preparation processes. While Fe-N-C catalysts demonstrate considerable potential in laboratory settings, their performance still falls short of that of platinum-based catalysts, particularly in terms of durability and activity under practical operating conditions. As a result, Fe-N-C catalysts remain in the experimental stage and are not yet ready for mass production or widespread adoption. The article concludes that further research and development are essential to bridge the gap between experimental achievements and industrial applications, ultimately enabling Fe-N-C catalysts to compete with or replace platinum-based catalysts in the future.