Chalcogenide Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Fuel Cell

Kurzfassung

Chalcogenide electrocatalysts are highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in electrolytes containing small organics, such as methanol (CH3OH) and formic acid (HCOOH), thanks to its tolerance to poisoning. This property allows using them as tolerant cathodes of fuel cells that use highly concentrated liquid fuel. In this review a comprehensive discussion about the mechanism of ORR and tolerance of the chalcogenide electrocatalysts to small organic molecules is provided. Some aspects of the chemical synthesis and physical structure are also discussed. Chalcogenide-based cathodes of direct methanol fuel cell and novel membrane-less fuel cells can overcome the problem of the formation of a mixed potential due to the fuel crossover. Special attention is given to the use of tolerant cathodes to the laminar flow fuel cell and other membrane-less microsystems.