Researchers have shown how platinum-copper and platinum-iron catalysts supported on MXene can improve fuel-cell performance and durability

Green batteries (Courtesy: iStock/Just Super)

An important low-carbon technology is the hydrogen fuel cell, which can be used in vehicles, backup power systems and other applications. Fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity, producing only water as a by-product. A key process inside the cell is the oxygen reduction reaction, in which oxygen from the air is reduced at the cathode. This reaction is relatively slow and is one of the main factors limiting fuel-cell performance.

To speed up this step, platinum catalysts are used. While highly effective, platinum is expensive and gradually degrades during operation. Much research therefore focuses on reducing the amount of platinum required while improving performance and catalyst lifetime. One approach is to use platinum alloys, where a cheaper metal is mixed with platinum to improve efficiency.…