Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) such as methanol (DMFC) and ethanol (DEFC) are promising energy sources in the face of problematic fossil fuel energy and growing demand. DMFC and DEFC act through the conversion of chemical energy contained in the oxidation and reduction reactions into electrical energy through an electrochemical system consisting basically of two anode and cathode electrodes and an electrolyte. Currently, attention is paid to the resolution of inconveniences related to fuel oxidation through the catalysts used for this purpose, to ensure proper functioning in the fuel cell. The main catalysts used for the reaction are those consisting of Pt, however its use is limited by the high cost of the element and its kinetics weakened by the intermediates formed during the electro-oxidation of alcohols. Thus, this work aims to briefly show anodic electrocatalysts for the oxidation of alcohols in a DAFC, restricting the contributions of three low cost transition metals (Fe, Ni and Co), as well as Pt-free catalyst alternatives Finally, the importance of continuing with studies on non-noble metals is evident, as the economic factor provided by these is something significant for the accessibility of the technology, together with the promising results reported for such electrocatalysts in the oxidation of alcohols.
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