Molybdenum–Based Electrocatalysts for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: A Critical Review
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Date
2024-01
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Abstract
Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have gained much attention as promising energy conversion devices due to their ability
to utilize alcohol as a fuel source. In this regard, Molybdenum-based electrocatalysts (Mo-ECs) have emerged as a sub stitution for expensive Pt and Ru–based co-catalyst electrode materials in DAFCs, owing to their unique electrochemical
properties useful for alcohol oxidation. The catalytic activity of Mo-ECs displays an increase in alcohol oxidation current
density by several folds to 1000–2000 mA mgPt
–1, compared to commercial Pt and PtRu catalysts of 10–100 mA mgPt
–1.
In addition, the methanol oxidation peak and onset potential have been significantly reduced by 100–200 mV and 0.5–
0.6 V, respectively. The performance of Mo-ECs in both acidic and alkaline media has shown the potential to significantly
reduce the Pt loading. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the bifunctional mechanism involved in
the oxidation of alcohols and factors affecting the electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohol, such as synthesis method, structural
properties, and catalytic support materials. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of Mo-ECs for DAFCs anode mate rials are discussed. This in-depth review serves as valuable insight toward enhancing the performance and efficiency of
DAFC by employing Mo-ECs.