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Selective electrocatalysis imparted by metal-insulator transition for durability enhancement of automotive fuel cells
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Selective electrocatalysis imparted by metal-insulator transition for durability enhancement of automotive fuel cells

Sang-Mun Jung, Su-Won Yun, Jun-Hyuk Kim, Sang-Hoon You, Jinheon Park, Seonggyu Lee, Seo Hyoung Chang, Seung Chul Chae, Sang Hoon Joo, Yousung Jung, …
Nature catalysis, v 3(8), pp 639-648
01 Aug 2020

Abstract

Chemistry Chemistry, Physical Physical Sciences Science & Technology
Repetitive start-up and shut-down events in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for automotive applications lead to serious corrosion of the cathode due to an instantaneous potential jump that results from unintended air leakage into the anodic flow field followed by a parasitic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the anode. Here we report a solution to the cathode corrosion issue during the start-up/shut-down events whereby intelligent catalyst design is used to selectively promote the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) while concomitantly suppressing the ORR on the anode. Platinum thin layers supported on hydrogen tungsten bronze (Pt/HxWO3) suppressed the ORR by converting themselves into an insulator following exposure to oxygen, while selectively promoting the HOR by regaining metallic conductivity following subsequent exposure to hydrogen. The HOR-selective electrocatalysis imparted by a metal-insulator transition in Pt/HxWO3 demonstrated a remarkably enhanced durability of membrane electrode assemblies compared to those with commercial Pt/C catalysts.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#7 Affordable and Clean Energy

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International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Chemistry, Physical
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