A critical review of electrolytes for advanced low- and high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Aroosa Javed, Paulina Palafox Gonzalez, Venkataraman Thangadurai*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

In the 21st century, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) represent a promising source of power generation due to their high efficiency compared with coal combustion engines and eco-friendly design. Proton exchange membranes (PEMs), being the critical component of PEMFCs, determine their overall performance. Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) based Nafion and nonfluorinated-based polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are commonly used for low- and high-temperature PEMFCs, respectively. However, these membranes have some drawbacks such as high cost, fuel crossover, and reduction in proton conductivity at high temperatures for commercialization. Here, we report the requirements of functional properties of PEMs for PEMFCs, the proton conduction mechanism, and the challenges which hinder their commercial adaptation. Recent research efforts have been focused on the modifications of PEMs by composite materials to overcome their drawbacks such as stability and proton conductivity. We discuss some current developments in membranes for PEMFCs with special emphasis on hybrid membranes based on Nafion, PBI, and other nonfluorinated proton conducting membranes prepared through the incorporation of different inorganic, organic, and hybrid fillers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29674-29699
Number of pages26
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume15
Issue number25
Early online date16 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Composite proton conductors
  • Nafion
  • Proton conduction mechanism
  • Proton conductors
  • Proton exchange membrane fuel cells

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