On the use of surface confined molecular catalysts in fuel cell development

Fuel cells have the potential to provide sustainable clean energy but are hampered by the reliance on Pt as an electrocatalyst for half-cell reactions. Bio-inspired molecular catalysts, composed of Earth-abundant elements, have shown promise as alternative electrocatalysts for fuel oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. This article provides a concise overview of recent progress in this area with particular focus on (i) electrodes modified with molecular catalysts for fuel oxidation and O2 reduction and (ii) fuel cells incorporating surface confined molecular catalysts for both anodic and cathodic reactions. Finally, the prospect and challenges of utilising molecular catalysts in fuel cell assemblies are discussed.