A Review on Nature Inspired Non-Precious Metal Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a promising alternative source of energy which has high efficiency and it’s environmentally friendly. Commercialization of PEMFCs is hampered due to requirement of precious platinum-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction. Nature is a source of inspiration for developing alternative non precious metal catalyst which is highly active and durable. New catalytic materials can be designed and synthesized similar to enzyme oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst found in nature. These non-precious metal catalysts (NPMC) may help to reduce cost of the PEMFC. This review provides discussion on advancements in development of non-precious metal catalysts over the last decade. Nature inspired ORR catalyst involves transition metals coordinated with nitrogen rich ligand. Tremendous research work carried out in last few decades resulted in development of various non-precious metal catalysts with high activity and stability approaching closer to Pt group metals. These catalysts demonstrate significant promise as replacements for Pt-based catalysts in fuel cells. But their practical implementation in fuel cells is challenging due to the issues related to stability, activity, and integration. This review analyses various synthesis methods, electrochemical performance and future challenges in the development of catalysts for ORR.