Selective catalysts for the hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions by patterning of platinum with calix[4]arene molecules

Cathode degradation and methods for improving the selectivity of anode catalysts remain crucial challenges for the design of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. A chemically modified Pt electrode with a self-assembled monolayer of calix[4]arene molecules is now shown to selectively block the undesired oxygen reduction reaction.