Fuel cell applications of chemically synthesized zeolite modified electrode (ZME) as catalyst for alcohol electro-oxidation - A review

•Catalytic electro-oxidation of alcohol is vital in Direct Alcohol Fuel cell (DAFC).•Ethanol is preferred over methanol as a fuel in DAFC.•Zeolites have a telling influence over metal as electrocatalysts.•Zeolites can act as supporting and second catalyst to metal electrocatalysts.•The use is summarized here.

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFCs) can be a solution for the global problem of energy crisis and need for clean energy sources. DAFCs generate clean energy by electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol; the latter is preferred over the former as it is easy to produce, store and handle. Platinum is considered an effective catalyst for DAFC but it is associated with some disadvantages like cost of metal and carbonaceous poisoning of the metal surface during oxidation reaction. These problems can be addressed by introducing zeolite as a support for the metal. This review paper showcases the research on Zeolite Modified Electrodes (ZMEs) in application in DAFC. The paper brings together the intricacies of mechanism of DAFCs, preparation and properties of ZMEs by chemical methods, and the role of ZMEs in DAFCs. A proper understanding of this promising field is vital to tackle the global energy crisis.

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