Paper by Prof. Makoto Uchida and his colleagues was selected to be featured on the supplementary cover of the journal.

A paper by Prof. Makoto Uchida of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center and their coworkers, “Analysis of Ionomer Distribution and Reaction Mechanisms on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Pt Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous Carbon under Various Humidity Conditions ” published on July 14, 2025 in the journal ACS Applied Energy Materials by The American Chemical Society, was selected be featured on the supplementary cover of the journal (K. Nagamori et al., ACS Applied Energy Materials 2025, 8, 13,9796-9814).
This study investigated the humidity effects of pore structure and ionomer distribution on the cathode performance of mesoporous carbon catalysts (Pt/MPC catalysts) for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). This was achieved through joint research with Kiyotaka Nagamori (a doctoral student from N.E. Chemcat) and others, and with support from NEDO. It is expected that this research will provide important insights into the catalyst structure design of fuel cells.
Professor Uchida commented, “This research provides a new perspective on the sulfonic acid poisoning phenomenon of platinum at the Pt/ionomer interface. Based on Tafel analysis, we have shown convincing results that water generated during fuel cell operation can reduce sulfonic acid poisoning of Pt.”