Non-precious nanostructured materials by electrospinning and their applications for oxygen reduction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract The exploration of cheap and stable electrocatalysts with high activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in the acidic and alkaline medium is a vital activity for large-scale applications of fuel cells. In recent years, one-dimensional nanofibrous electrode materials with high surface area and specific porosities have been drawing great attention in energy conversion devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Nanofibers with a one-dimensional nanostructure can be produced by electrospinning, which has been considered as a particularly low-cost and versatile method. In this review, we summarize the properties of electrospun nanofibers and the recent progress in designing of non-precious nanostructured electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. More importantly, we also highlight the interesting nanostructures, new synthetic approaches, and the electrocatalytic performance including active sites and stability of electrospun-based electrocatalysts. In addition, we describe the research challenges and future developmental perspectives of electrospun materials in energy technology.