Rational Design of Platinum‐Based Confined Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

ABSTRACT The establishment of a future renewable energy supply and a cleaner earth is largely related to various crucial catalytic reactions in society. Fuel cells have attracted tremendous research interest and are considered as the next‐generation promising energy conversion devices due to their advantages, such as zero emission, high energy‐conversion efficiency, and so forth. However, the sluggish oxygen reduction activity and insufficient durability of Pt‐based electrocatalysts have become major challenges in restricting the commercial application of fuel cells. In this review, key challenges to be addressed for the practical applications of Pt‐based electrocatalysts are first summarized. Then, the concept of possible oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics, catalytic mechanisms, and the crucial role of confinement effect for Pt‐based confined electrocatalysts (PCECs) are further discussed, and the emphasis is devoted to the rational design of efficient PCECs. Finally, a discussion of future development directions with great potential to become new hotspots is also presented for the design of high‐efficiency PCECs. This review aims to provide a deeper insight into catalytic mechanisms and valuable design principles to the development of advanced catalysts for the future sustainable energy system.