Novel nanostructured electrocatalysts for fuel cell technology: Design, solution chemistry-based preparation approaches and application

Nanostructured materials have attracted tremendous research interest for a variety of applications because of their intriguing novel properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Development and advancement of facile synthetic routes for nanostructured materials to maximise the number of their active sites is of utmost importance for various applications and commercialisation. Over the years, different methods have been developed to design and synthesise nanostructured materials for different applications, which include sensors, solar cells, fuel cells, etc. This review provides an overview of the synthesis technologies of nanostructured materials and their application in fuel cells. Different solution chemistry-based preparation approaches are summarised along with other methods, coupled with solution-based methods for improved nanomaterial preparation and product attainment. The design guidelines for nanostructured electrocatalysts with high performance for fuel cell application are also summarised.