State of the Art Comparison Between Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2470Keywords:
PEMFC, Fuel Cells, PFSA, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane, Conductivity, PBIAbstract
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been appealing for all sorts of applications and have been in use for many years, mainly for transportation applications because of new developments that have increased efficiency and power density while lowering operating temperature. However, in order to increase commercial viability and broaden use cases, PEMFCs must become more efficient. New research and developments in different polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) such as perfluorosulfonic acid membranes (PFSAs) and polybenzimidazole membranes (PBIs) have sought to increase efficiency and power density. This literature review focuses on state of the art proton membrane technologies such as PFSA, hydrocarbon-based, and PBI membranes. It provides a comprehensive review of basic fuel cell chemistry, mechanisms of function for these membranes as well as advantages and disadvantages, developments in the past few years, and an outlook as to where PEMFC technology will bring us in the future. PFSA membranes are the most widely used membrane currently, with Nafion™ currently dominating the market for PEMs. They have a high enough conductivity to be commercially viable, and have been in the market for decades. Hydrocarbon-based membranes are on the rise because of environmental laws banning or restricting PFSA, but still have many barriers before reaching commercial viability. PBI membranes are a more promising path, and are likely to take over the market in the near future given restrictions on PFSA.
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