Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) represent a promising pathway for energy conversion, yet their reliance on platinum-group metal (PGM)-based anode catalysts poses critical sustainability challenges, which stem from finite mineral reserves, environmentally detrimental extraction processes, and prohibitive lifecycle costs. Current anode catalysts for DMFCs are dominated by platinum materials; therefore, this review systematically evaluates the following three emerging eco-efficient design paradigms using platinum materials as a starting point: (1) the atomic-level optimization of low-Pt alloy surfaces to maximize catalytic efficiency per metal atom, (2) Earth-abundant transition metal compounds (e.g., nitrides and sulfides) and coordination-tunable metal–organic frameworks as viable PGM-free alternatives, and (3) mechanically robust carbon architectures with engineered topological defects that enhance catalyst stability through covalent metal–carbon interactions. Through comparative analysis with pure Pt benchmarks, we critically examine how these strategic material innovations collectively mitigate CO intermediate poisoning risks and improve electrochemical durability. Such fundamental advances in catalyst design not only address immediate technical barriers, but also establish essential material foundations for the development of DMFC technologies compatible with circular economy frameworks and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 targets.

This study addresses energy transition challenges through the development of NiCuCe catalysts for high-purity hydrogen production via methanol decomposition, with carbon deposition issues mitigated by CO₂-assisted regeneration. As fossil fuel depletion advances and the urgency of climate change increases, methanol-derived hydrogen (CH₃OH → CO + 2H₂) emerges as a carbon-neutral alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based energy systems. The catalyst’s dual Cu²⁺/Ni²⁺ active sites facilitate selective C–O bond cleavage, achieving more than 80% methanol conversion at temperatures exceeding 280 °C without the need for fossil methane inputs. Crucially, CO₂ gasification enables catalyst regeneration through the conversion of 90% carbon deposits into reusable media, circumventing energy-intensive combustion processes. This dual-function system couples carbon capture to hydrogen infrastructure, thereby stabilizing production while valorizing waste CO₂. This innovation minimizes reliance on rare metals through efficient regeneration cycles, mitigating resource constraints during energy crises.