Development of electronically conducting ceramic nanoparticles toward the application of electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells and water electrolyzers

Abstract

High-durability, high-activity electrocatalysts for both polymer electrolyte fuel cells and water electrolyzers are developed by utilization of electronically conducting ceramic nanoparticles. These electrocatalysts require the function of a gas diffusion electrode, which in turn requires electronically conducting pathways, gas diffusion pathways, high surface area and durability at high electrode potentials. The electronically conducting ceramic nanoparticles should be modified to mitigate the resistivity originating from gas adsorption, quantum size effects, and interfacial contact between nanoparticles. The specific microstructure, interface structure, electronic state and crystallinity of the electronically conducting ceramic nanoparticles should also be controlled toward the specific application of the electrocatalyst. These electronically conducting ceramic nanoparticles have demonstrated promising possibilities toward their application in green hydrogen technology.