Strategies for Carbon Support Design in Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as a zero-emission power source attracts broad interest. Carbon supports, where catalytic nanoparticles are loaded, are pivotal in optimizing the performance of a PEMFC. In this perspective, we highlight an emerging trend for carbon support design and optimization. First, we summarized the carbon support preparation and modification methods: surface engineering, carbon nanocomposite engineering, and pore engineering. Then we discussed the newly developed characterization and analysis techniques, like three-dimensional electron microscopy, and distribution of relaxation times, which can be employed to obtain the precise structure information and in situ performance evaluation, which can be used as input data set to train the machine learning model. With the aid of the trained machine learning model, the optimization process of structure design and the preparation strategies for carbon support materials can be greatly accelerated as a result. Furthermore, the present challenges associated with the structure and performance analysis were pointed out.