Recent Progress of Low Pt Content Intermetallic Electrocatalysts Toward Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are playing a crucial role in the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy. However, their large-scale commercialization has been hampered by the high cost and limited durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts. To overcome the issues, researchers are focusing on Pt-non-noble metal (PtM) intermetallic electrocatalysts due to their superior activity and durability. This review highlights key advances in this field, starting with a comparison of intermetallic compounds and solid-solution alloys, and an analysis of the composition and structure of PtM intermetallics. It then proceeds to the controllable synthesis and structure characterization of the carbon-supported PtM intermetallics electrocatalysts. The review also thoroughly discusses their activity and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Finally, some perspectives on remaining challenges and future development of the PtM intermetallics electrocatalysts are presented to guide the exploitation of the active and durable intermetallic electrocatalysts with high metal content and small size for practical substitution.