Recent advances in the development of carbon-based catalyst materials for fuel cells

In recent years, the development of catalytic materials to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen energy conversion in fuel cells has become a primary focus in global scientific research. Platinum (Pt) and its alloys are widely used in fuel cells due to their superior catalytic properties; however, their high cost and scarcity limit broader application. Replacing Pt with carbon-based materials in fuel cell catalysts offers a promising pathway to reduce costs and enhance sustainability. Consequently, recent studies have shifted toward exploring non-precious metal catalysts based on carbon materials, which are of significant interest for their diverse applications and potential as viable alternatives to reduce amounts of Pt catalysts. This report presents and examines recent advancements in Pt-carbon hybrid catalysts for fuel cell applications, highlighting their synthesis, structural characteristics, and performance in hydrogen energy conversion.