Recent advances in the anode catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Generally, research on the catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) focuses on the cathode side. However, the anode side should not be ignored because many problems of the anode side cause repercussions on the performance and durability of PEMFCs. Herein, advances in the anode catalyst layer in the past decade are reviewed, focusing on poisoning, cell reversal, and low platinum loading anode. This review considers the mechanism and effect of each adverse circumstance and summarizes the functional catalyst layers mitigation research, aiming to highlight the research gaps and make recommendations for future anode catalyst layer research of PEMFCs.