Recent Progress on Fe-Based Cathode Catalysts

Abstract

The development of Pt-free cathode catalysts is strongly desired for globalization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. While several research groups have demonstrated quite promising fuel cell performances using Fe-based cathode catalysts, the catalytic activity and durability of Pt-free catalysts need to be further improved. This article overviews the recent progress on the development and mechanistic study of the Pt-free cathode catalysts prepared by pyrolyzing Fe, N and C containing precursors. Furthermore, the development of Fe complexes aiming for the catalyst synthesis without pyrolysis is also discussed.