University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed efficient and robust electrocatalyst materials for the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in acid-mediated proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Important to highlight is the promising durability and long-term stability of the Pt-containing Ti5Si3 electrocatalyst, which make it suitable for use in PEMFC and metal-air batteries. Researchers have designed earth-abundant, cost-effective, and highly active metal silicide alloy-based anode electrocatalyst compositions, with a specific focus on the alloy Ti5Si3 supplemented with ultra-low platinum group metal (PGM) elements.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a highly active, low cost, robust and versatile non-noble metals based electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Current electro-catalysts for ORR in PEM fuel cells contain precious metals like platinum and iridium. These electro-catalysts are non-noble metal based, overcoming the supply and cost issues associated with the use of precious metals.