Search for active and durable, but cost effective catalysts that can be employed in fuel cells remains one of the main challenges for broad application of this technology. This presentation intends to provide an overview of progress that has been made in design of Pt-based electrocatalysts that are currently used in low temperature fuel cells. The main focus will be placed on necessity to resolve current limitations at molecular scale, which can ultimately lead towards design of electrocatalysts with advanced properties.

A major challenge lies in the insufficient activity and durability of materials that are currently employed as cathode catalysts for electrochemical reduction of oxygen. These limitations inevitably lead to a lower operating efficiency of the devices, which highlights the need for development of more active and durable oxygen reduction reaction catalysts. Consequently, the majority of research efforts are placed on the catalyst design and synthesis aiming to improve their efficiency. It has been found that properties such as surface structure, surface and subsurface composition associated with electronic properties have distinguished roles in determining functional properties of electrocatalysts. In addition to the catalyst materials it is of paramount importance to emphasize the role of liquid phase which is influencing on the overall properties of an electrified interface. Molecular species from employed electrolyte and the nature of their interaction with catalyst surfaces can be used in tuning the PEMFC performance.