Ultralow-Pt loading strategies for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation: challenges and opportunities

Hu, Lingwei, Li, Jitao, Li, Ruijie, Wang, Yucheng, Wang, Haoqi and Lu, Shun 2026. Ultralow-Pt loading strategies for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation: challenges and opportunities. Transactions of Tianjin University: Advanced Energy Chemistry and Materials 32 (2) , pp. 151-177. 10.1007/s12209-026-00472-6

PDF - Published Version Download (4MB)

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells represent a pivotal technology for next-generation portable power sources, offering high energy density and logistical advantages over gaseous H2. However, their widespread commercialization remains heavily constrained by high cost and limited availability of Pt, the benchmark electrocatalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction. Although minimizing Pt loading is an economic imperative, it introduces a severe technical challenge: achieving high catalytic activity and long-term durability in ultralow-Pt loadings is notoriously difficult due to sluggish reaction kinetics and rapid electrode surface poisoning by CO intermediates. This review critically analyzes recent breakthroughs in ultralow-Pt loading strategies, comprehensively categorizing them into geometric nanostructuring, compositional alloying, and atomic-level engineering approaches, with particular emphasis on single-atom and sub-nanometer cluster catalysts. We provide an in-depth discussion of the fundamental mechanisms governing atom utilization efficiency and highlight the crucial role of strong metal–support interactions in stabilizing vulnerable active sites. Furthermore, we address the notable gap that persists between laboratory half-cell performance and practical implementations in membrane electrode assemblies. By integrating emerging insights from advanced operando characterization and computational modeling, this review offers a strategic roadmap to overcome the persistent stability–activity trade-off, ultimately guiding the design of cost-effective, high-performance catalysts essential for a sustainable energy future. Graphical Abstract:

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Chemistry Research Institutes & Centres > Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI)
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Type: open-access
Publisher:	Springer
ISSN:	1006-4982
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 May 2026
Date of Acceptance:	30 March 2026
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 02:56
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187044

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item