The use of rare earth-based materials in low-temperature fuel cells

Rare earth-based materials can play different roles in fuel cell systems. These compounds can be used as catalysts, co-catalysts and electrolytes additives in different types of fuels cells. In particular, a promising acid direct methanol fuel cell can be obtained using rare earth-based materials as both anode and cathode co-catalysts and proton exchange membrane additive. In this work an overview of the use of rare earth-based materials in low-temperature fuel cells is presented.

► Rare earth-based perovskites and AB5 intermetallic alloys as alkaline fuel cell catalysts. ► Pt-CeO2/C as fuel cell catalysts with improved activity and stability than Pt/C. ► Nafion membranes with improved stability by addition of CeO2. ► Nafion membranes with low alcohol permeability by Nd2O3 or LnTfO (Ln = Er, Nd) addition. ► Promising DMFCs with RE-based materials as electrode co-catalysts and membrane additive.