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 using molecular catalysts in fuel cell assemblies are discussed.