The use of tin oxide in fuel cells

Abstract With the emerging demand for zero emission transport and intermittent energy storage systems, the research on and commercialization of fuel cell technologies is accelerating. Tin-based oxide materials have been investigated for various fuel cell applications. The main reported use is within research on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells for mobile applications where tin-based oxides are used as the cocatalyst for the anode, as corrosion-resistant catalyst support for the cathode, as well as investigations for use in composite membranes and as anticorrosion coatings in the bipolar plates. Tin oxide has been used in direct alcohols fuel cells for the electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol, mainly in Pt binary-supported catalysts. In addition, it has been investigated as catalyst support for CO oxidation and hydrogen oxidation reaction. This chapter will discuss the benefits of applying tin oxides in fuel cell technologies. The influence of preparation methods and composition on the material performance will be reviewed and discussed.