Using the IL-TEM Technique to Understand the Mechanism and Improve the Durability of Platinum Cathode Catalysts for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are one of the most promising energy conversion technologies for both automotive and stationary applications. Scientists are testing a number of solutions to increase the durability of cells, especially catalysts, which are the most expensive component. These solutions include, among others, the modification of the composition and morphology of supported nanoparticles, the platinum-support interface, and the support itself. A detailed understanding of the mechanism of platinum degradation and the subsequent improvement of the durability of the entire cell requires the development of methods for effectively monitoring the behavior of catalytic nanoparticles under various cell operating conditions. The Identical-Location Transmission Electron Microscopy (IL-TEM) method makes it possible to visually track structural and morphological changes in the catalyst directly. Because the tests are performed with a liquid electrolyte imitating a membrane, they provide better control of the degradation conditions and, consequently, facilitate the understanding of nanoparticle degradation processes in various operating conditions. This review is primarily intended to disseminate knowledge about this technique to scientists using electron microscopy in the study of energy materials and to draw attention to issues related to the characterization of the structure of carbon supports.