Recent Advances in the Development of Nanocatalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have attracted much attention due to their potential application as a power source for portable devices. Their simple construction and operation, associated with compact design, high energy density, relatively energy-conversion efficiency, give the DMFCs an advantage over other promising production technologies in terms of portability. Nowadays, research on has received increased both academics industries. However, many challenges remain before these systems become commercial, including costs durability. As key material high-value cost, noble metal catalysts anode cathode sides face several problems, which hinder commercialisation DMFCs. This paper provides detailed comprehensive review recent progress development nanocatalysts (NCs) reactions DMFCs, based Platinum, Platinum-hybrid, Platinum-free materials. Particular is devoted systematisation published experimental results tested DMFC devices since 2015, emphasis passive systems. In addition, dedicated section was created include modelling/theoretical studies. Some open problems remaining are also highlighted final section.