Efficient fuel cell catalysts emerging from organometallic chemistry

AbstractDuring the last few decades organometallic methodologies have generated a number of highly effective electrocatalyst systems based on mono‐ and bimetallic nanosparticles having controlled size, composition and structure. In this microreview we summarize our results in fuel cell catalyst preparation applying triorganohydroborate chemistry, ‘reductive particle stabilization’ using organoaluminum compounds, and the controlled decomposition of organometallic complexes. The advantages of organometallic catalyst preparation pathways are exemplified with RuPt nanoparticles@C as promising anode catalysts to be used in direct methanol oxidation fuel cells (DMFC) or in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) running with CO‐contaminated H2 as the feed. Recent findings with highly efficient PtCo3@C fuel cell catalysts applied for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and with the effect of Se‐doping on Ru@C ORR catalysts clearly demonstrate the benefits of organometallic catalyst synthesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.