Advanced Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cells

Objective

To develop novel electrocatalysts that have higher oxygen reduction activity and durability than the state-of-the-art commercial Pt and Pt alloy catalysts.

 

Approach

  • Design core-shell and advanced Pt alloy catalysts by optimizing the size, shape, composition and synthesis method
     
  • Develop advanced Pt alloys by applying atomistic modeling to correlate the electronic properties and the catalytic activities

 

Impact

  • Significantly reduce the cost of electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and in turn help the widespread of fuel cell vehicles
     
  • Greatly advance the understanding of the mechanisms underling the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of Pt and Pt alloys at the atomic level

 

Contact

Minhua Shao, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Email: kemshao@ust.hk