ELECTROCATALYSTS FOR FUEL-CELLS

The chemical and physical composition of the catalysts used in fuel ce lls are determined by the type of cell for which they are intended and its operating conditions. The six types of fuel cell presently in use or under development are described in the context of their electrocat alyst requirements. The important features of the current-voltage char acteristics of fuel cells and the extent to which these depend upon th e electrocatalysts and electrode structures are described. The limitat ions of electrocatalysts presently used in fuel cell developments and opportunities for improving their performance are discussed and analys ed. Following this overview of electrocatalyst developments for fuel c ells, the paper concludes with details of the development of precious metal based electrocatalysts for proton exchange, solid polymer fuel c ells.