Research Progress on the Application of Catalysts with Different Morphologies in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: A Review

Abstract The advancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technologies plays a pivotal role in driving the global energy transition and achieving carbon‐neutrality goals. The performance of these fuel cells is closely linked to the catalytic activity of both anode and cathode materials, in which the precise morphological design of catalysts serves as a key determinant. This review systematically summarizes recent progress on 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D Pt‐based catalysts, with a particular focus on how morphological features influence catalytic activity, durability, and noble metal utilization efficiency in PEMFC and DMFC systems. The findings reveal that catalysts with different dimensionalities can effectively enhance overall fuel cell performance by modulating electronic structures, increasing the number of accessible active sites, and optimizing mass transport pathways. Despite these advances, several challenges remain unresolved, such as the stability of complex morphologies, large‐scale synthesis, and operational reliability under practical conditions. To address these issues, potential research directions and design strategies are further explored for future catalyst morphology engineering. These insights not only provide a scientific basis for performance breakthroughs in PEMFCs and DMFCs but also offer theoretical guidance for the rational design of next‐generation catalytic materials.