DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i2.347

Keywords: Hydrogen fuel cells, Green catalytic materials, Hybrid & non-precious metals (Fe, Co, Ni), Bio-inspired catalysts, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)

Abstract

Green and sustainable catalyst design is critical to scaling hydrogen fuel-cell technologies beyond niche applications. This review examines recent advances in majorly four classes of green electrocatalysts: carbon-based biomass derivatives, hybrid & non-precious metals (Fe, Co, Ni), bio-inspired systems, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as sustainable alternatives to mitigate these issues. Carbon-based catalysts leverage renewable biomass feedstocks and low-energy pyrolysis, reducing dependence on fossil-derived precursors. Hybrid & non-precious metals address Platinum group metal (PGM) scarcity by utilizing Earth-abundant elements, while bio-inspired designs mimic natural enzymatic efficiency through biodegradable, low-toxicity frameworks. MOFs, tailored with eco-friendly linkers and solvent-free synthesis, offer tunable active sites without heavy metals. Key mechanisms such as electron transfer, adsorption dynamics, and reaction kinetics are discussed to elucidate catalytic enhancement strategies. Despite their potential, challenges persist in optimizing cost-effective scalability, minimizing environmental footprints during synthesis, and ensuring long-term catalytic stability. By prioritizing renewability, energy efficiency, and reduced toxicity, green materials present a pathway to overcome the limitations of conventional catalysts. Future efforts must focus on advancing synthesis techniques, enhancing material recyclability, and aligning scalable production with circular economy principles to realize eco-efficient hydrogen fuel cell technologies.