Shanghai Jiao Tong University Researchers Use Fullerenol Additive to Break Performance Barriers in Low-Platinum Fuel Cells

Shanghai researchers use molecular engineering to reduce platinum waste and improve oxygen transport in hydrogen fuel cells, enabling high-temp operation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 6:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Overcoming the Platinum Bottleneck in Hydrogen Energy

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a cornerstone of the transition to zero-emission transportation, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by the high cost of platinum catalysts. While reducing platinum loading is a primary goal for manufacturers, lower concentrations of the metal typically lead to increased oxygen transport resistance and a significant drop in power output. Furthermore, these cells often struggle in harsh operating environments, as high temperatures and low humidity can dehydrate the internal ionomer, causing a failure in proton conductivity. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have now introduced a structural additive that addresses both of these persistent challenges simultaneously.

The Synergistic Power of Fullerenol C60(OH)n

The study, published in Science Bulletin, details the introduction of polyhydroxylated fullerenol—a rigid, quasi-spherical molecule—into the Nafion ionomer of the cathode catalyst layer. This specific molecule was chosen for its unique 0D scaffold and densely distributed hydroxyl groups. By integrating these "nanospacers" into the cell’s architecture, the researchers were able to reach a peak power density of 1.33 W cm⁻² under standard air conditions, which is approximately 1.53 times higher than the baseline system. This suggests that the additive effectively "unlocks" the potential of low-platinum catalysts, allowing them to perform at levels previously reserved for much more expensive configurations.

Reducing Sulfonate Poisoning on Catalyst Sites

One of the primary reasons platinum catalysts lose efficiency is "sulfonate poisoning," where the side chains of the Nafion ionomer adsorb onto the platinum surface, blocking active sites. The abundant hydroxyl groups on the fullerenol additive create a robust hydrogen-bond network that competes for these sulfonate groups. Spectroscopic analysis confirmed that this interaction effectively "frees" the platinum, reducing sulfonate coverage by roughly 60%. This molecular competition ensures that more of the expensive platinum surface remains available to drive the oxygen reduction reaction, maximizing the utility of every milligram of precious metal used.