In our paper we reviewed major research work that has been published in recent years in the area of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) catalysis, and discussed future R&D directions for new DMFC anode catalysis.

“This review paper includes most of the state-of-the-art catalyst preparation techniques, carbon support development, and high-throughput catalyst screening methods in the area of DMFC anode catalysis.”

Fuel cells are one of the major approaches in solving the global energy crisis and environmental pollution. It has been recognized that DMFC is one of the most promising and advanced fuel cells in terms of commercialization potential. Anode catalysis is a major barrier in the process of DMFC commercialization.

In the effort to improve anode catalysis in both aspects of fundamental understanding and application, there is an increasing amount of research activity in this field throughout the world. Our paper provides researchers with a valuable information platform and some new perspectives as well. That may be the reason why it was highly cited.

This review paper includes most of the state-of-the-art catalyst preparation techniques, carbon support development, and high-throughput catalyst screening methods in the area of DMFC anode catalysis. The newest topics in this area, such as mesoporous carbon supports and the combinatorial method, were described in detail.

The energy crisis and environmental pollution are two key challenges facing the world today. Fuel cells, as energy conversion devices, which use a chemical reaction between hydrogen or hydrogen-containing fuels and oxygen to produce energy and water, are an ideal solution for these challenges.

DMFC, which uses methanol as a fuel in order to eliminate hydrogen’s technical barriers, is the most promising fuel cell closest to commercialization at this current stage. Our paper described recent progress, analyzed current challenges, and discussed future R&D directions in the DMFC anode catalysis, which is helpful to researchers in this area as a means to evaluate and develop their work.

We have been carrying out research work on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells fueled by both hydrogen and methanol at the Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation of the National Research Council Canada (NRC-IFCI), since 2004. Before that, Dr. Jiujun (JJ) Zhang had worked at Ballard Power Systems for six years in PEM fuel cell development. Ballard is the world’s leading developer of PEM fuel cells. Dr. Hansan Liu joined JJ’s group as a postdoctoral fellow in 2005, working on oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation electrocatalysis for fuel cells.

At this current stage of technology, DMFC commercialization still faces the challenges of low performance and high cost. New breakthroughs in anode catalysis, with respect to performance improvement and cost reduction, are necessary in the near future.

Now we are involved in developing novel carbon nano-materials such as hierarchically porous carbon supports and a new alloying strategy to improve platinum (Pt) utilization and reduce catalyst cost. Additionally, we are developing a series of non-Pt catalysts as a long-term objective of PEM fuel cells, including DMFC electrocatalysis.

As a possible solution to the energy and environmental crises, the development and application of fuel cells will significantly and positively impact the world. The oncoming commercialization of DMFCs in the mobile electronic market will strengthen the belief in developing global hydrogen economy. Continuing government funding and policy support, as well as a positive public consensus, are critical to the continued research and development of fuel cells.