Advances in Novel Supported Pt‐Based Catalysts for Methanol Electrolysis

Abstract Methanol electrolysis, coupling thermodynamically favorable methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), is a promising strategy for energy‐saving hydrogen generation as compared with traditional water splitting. Pt‐based catalysts are the best choice for methanol electrolysis, while the intrinsic activity and utilization of Pt should be increased due to its high cost. Supporting engineering for Pt is effective in boosting the catalytic effectiveness, and some novel supports with diverse support effects are developed to accelerate reaction kinetics and improve catalytic efficiency. Herein, a comprehensive review of the recent advances in support engineering for Pt‐based electrocatalysts in methanol‐assisted hydrogen production is provided. The mechanism of methanol electrolysis for the anode MOR and cathode HER is first outlined, respectively. Then, some catalytic performance enhancement support effects, including anchoring, electronic, synergistic, and strain effects, are briefly discussed. Subsequently, some novel Pt‐based catalysts clarified by the supports, including metal oxides, metal phosphides, metal selenides, and metal tellurides, are presented, and the promotion effect and catalytic mechanism of the relevant catalysts are discussed. The challenges and future perspectives are concluded in the last section, where most attention should be paid to metal‐supporting engineering and their mechanism understanding for future study.