The role of PGMs in decarbonizing the atmosphere: additive manufacturing in perspective

Abstract

Platinum Group of Metals (PGMs) has been at the forefront of emission control in autocatalysts and could be the driving force behind the net-zero agenda, by providing emission-free energy sources. The literature has revealed that the versatility of additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to produce intricate hierarchical structures that increase the active catalytic sites of PGMs in autocatalysts, fuel cells (FCs), and batteries with improved operational efficiency. FCs and batteries with lower PGM loads have proven to perform better than conventional manufactured energy devices with higher PGM loads. The inherent hyperlocal-on-demand nature of AM could be used to disrupt the conventional multiple energy-consuming carbon-intensive supply chain to decarbonize the atmosphere. The synergy between AM and PGMs has contributed greatly to the increase in operational performance of FCs and batteries, compelling several nations to start migrating their energy systems to eco-friendly energy systems.

Keywords

• autocatalyst
• greenhouse gasses
• 3d printing
• fuel cells
• batteries
• hydrogen economy