MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY HAVING BIFUNCTIONAL CATALYSTS FOR FUEL CELLS AND ELECTROLYZERS

A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell and an electrolyzer is provided. The MEA includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed opposite the first electrode layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane extending between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) disposed adjacent the first and second electrode layers. A bifunctional catalyst comprising a noble metal supported on a metal oxide compound is disposed in at least one of polymer electrolyte membrane, first and second electrodes, and GDLs. The noble metal comprises at least one of Pt and Pd. The metal oxide compound comprises at least one of CeO, CexZrO, MnO, CeEO, MnEOx, and CoEOx. The ratio of the noble metal to the metal oxide compound is 1%-80% by weight.