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The phosphoric acid fuel cell is limited by its slow rate of oxygen reduction at the cathode, but now an approach to the rational design of improved catalysts for this process has been developed. Molecular patterning of platinum surfaces with cyanide adsorbates is used to block the adsorption of spectator anions without hindering oxygen reduction, thus improving catalytic activity.

Cathode degradation and methods for improving the selectivity of anode catalysts remain crucial challenges for the design of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. A chemically modified Pt electrode with a self-assembled monolayer of calix[4]arene molecules is now shown to selectively block the undesired oxygen reduction reaction.

Post-synthesis annealing can tailor surface configurations of nanoparticles. Here, the authors use in situaberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy to track the evolution of individual alloyed metal nanoparticles at atomic scale and discern five distinct stages of surface rearrangement.

Understanding structure–function relationships at oxide-solution interfaces is highly desirable. Here, Chang et al.study the oxygen evolution reaction on strontium ruthenate single-crystal films in alkaline environments, and establish relationships between conductivity, stability and activity of the catalysts.

Low efficiency, short lifetime of catalysts and a lack of low-cost materials have limited electrochemical H₂ production. Now, active and stable Co–Mo–S_x chalcogels for the efficient production of H₂ in alkaline and acidic environments are reported.

Hydrogen is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, but the slow rate of the hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline fuel cells hinders their development. It is now proposed that bifunctional materials can be devised to offer the optimal balance between hydrogen and hydroxyl adsorption, thus significantly reducing the amount of precious metal on the anode.

Some of the most challenging issues in energy conversion are the insufficient activity of the catalysts for the oxygen-reduction reaction, catalyst degradation and carbon-support corrosion. A class of mesostructured carbon-free metallic catalysts based on thin films and with tunable near-surface composition, morphology and structure that lead to an improved affinity for the electrochemical reduction of oxygen are now reported.

Advances in electrocatalysis at interfaces are vital for driving technological innovations related to energy. New materials developments for efficient hydrogen and oxygen production in electrolysers and in fuel cells are described.