Recent advances in electrode design from one-dimensional nanostructure arrays for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

One dimensional (1D) Pt-based electrocatalysts demonstrate outstanding catalytic activities and stability toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The advances in 3D ordered electrodes from 1D Pt-based nanostructure arrays have seen great potential to address the mass transfer and durability challenges of Pt/C nanoparticle electrodes for developing high performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this paper, recent progresses are reviewed concentrating on our work of 3D ordered electrodes from self-standing Pt nanowire arrays. Nanostructured thin film catalysts are discussed along with electrodes from Pt-based nanoparticles deposited on arrays of polymer nanowires, carbon and TiO2 nanotubes. Achievements on electrodes from Pt-based nanotube arrays are also reviewed. The importance of size, surface properties and distribution control of 1D catalyst nanostructures is indicated. Finally, challenges and future development opportunities are addressed regarding large electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and quantification of oxygen mass transport resistance for 1D nanostructure array electrodes.