Local structure engineering for active sites in fuel cell electrocatalysts

In this review, we surveyed the significance of local structure engineering on electrocatalysts and electrodes for the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Both on precious metal catalysts (PMC) and non-precious metal catalysts (NPMC), the main methods to modulate local structure of active sites have been summarized. By change of atomic coordination, modulation of bonding distortion and synergy effect from hierarchical structure, local structure engineering has influence on the intrinsic activity and stability of electrocatalysts. Moreover, we emphasized the intimate correlation between lyophobicity of electrocatalysts and membrane electrodes by local structure engineering. Our review aimed to inspire the exploration of advanced electrocatalysts and mechanism study for PEMFCs based on local structure engineering.