MOF-Supported Pt-Alloy Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEM Fuel Cells: Design, Performance, and Future Directions

Abstract Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising energy conversion technologies for transportation, portable power, and stationary energy applications because of their high efficiency and low emissions. However, the widespread commercialization of PEMFCs remains limited by the high cost and long-term durability challenges of platinum (Pt)-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. In recent years, metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived materials have emerged as attractive catalyst supports owing to their tunable porosity, high surface area, controllable composition, and ability to generate conductive heteroatom-doped carbon architectures. These characteristics provide opportunities to improve catalyst dispersion, Pt utilization, mass transport, and catalyst stability under fuel-cell operating conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in MOF-supported Pt-alloy electrocatalysts for the ORR in PEMFCs, with emphasis on Pt–Co, Pt–Fe, and Pt–Ni catalyst systems. The effects of MOF-derived supports on catalyst structure, metal–support interactions, catalytic activity, and durability are critically discussed. Particular attention is given to the relationships between support architecture, alloy composition, ORR performance, and fuel-cell-relevant stability. In addition, current challenges associated with transition-metal dissolution, catalyst degradation, large-scale synthesis, and practical PEMFC implementation are examined. Finally, future opportunities for the design of MOF-derived catalyst supports and durable, high-performance Pt-alloy electrocatalysts are highlighted to accelerate the development of economically viable PEMFC technologies.