Tuning Nanowires and Nanotubes for Efficient Fuel‐Cell Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Developing new synthetic methods for the controlled synthesis of Pt‐based or non‐Pt nanocatalysts with low or no Pt loading to facilitate sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and organics oxidation reactions is the key in the development of fuel‐cell technology. Various nanoparticles (NPs), with a range of size, shape, composition, and structure, have shown good potential to catalyze the sluggish cathodic and anodic reactions. In contrast to NPs, one‐dimensional (1D) nanomaterials such as nanowires (NWs), and nanotubes (NTs), exhibit additional advantages associated with their anisotropy, unique structure, and surface properties. The prominent characteristics of NWs and NTs include fewer lattice boundaries, a lower number of surface defect sites, and easier electron and mass transport for better electrocatalytic activity and lower vulnerability to dissolution, Ostwald ripening, and aggregation than Pt NPs for enhanced stability. An overview of recent advances in tuning 1D nanostructured Pt‐based, Pd‐based, or 1D metal‐free nanomaterials as advanced electrocatalysts is provided here, for boosting fuel‐cell reactions with high activity and stability, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). After highlighting the different strategies developed so far for the synthesis of Pt‐based 1D nanomaterials with controlled size, shape, and composition, special emphasis is placed on the rational design of diverse NWs and NTs catalysts such as Pt‐based NWs or NTs, non‐Pt NTs, and carbon NTs with molecular engineering, etc. for enhancing the ORR, MOR, and EOR. Finally, some perspectives are highlighted on the development of more efficient fuel‐cell electrocatalysts featuring high stability, low cost, and enhanced performance, which are the key factors in accelerating the commercialization of fuel‐cell technology.