Article
Environmental Sciences
Asif Jamil, Sikander Rafiq, Tanveer Iqbal, Hafiza Aroosa Aslam Khan, Haris Mahmood Khan, Babar Azeem, M. Z. Mustafa, Abdulkader S. Hanbazazah
Summary: Fuel cells are environmentally friendly technology with high efficiency and economic advantages. Proton exchange membranes, especially for hydrogen fuel cells, have great potential but face challenges in terms of cost and degradation of proton exchange capacity over time.
Review
Polymer Science
Sadhasivam Thangarasu, Tae-Hwan Oh
Summary: Cellulose-based membranes have attracted attention as ion exchange membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells and alkaline fuel cells. The focus of research is on enhancing their functional properties and reducing production costs.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enbo Zhu, Menghao Wu, Haozhe Xu, Bosi Peng, Zeyan Liu, Yu Huang, Yujing Li
Summary: This article provides a review of recent progress on the understanding of the fundamental chemical and structural stability of platinum-group-metal-based (PGM-based) catalysts and their durability in operational proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The article emphasizes the importance of systematic studies on the stability of PGM-based catalysts and the need for practical descriptors for catalyst design with both superior activity and durability.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Miriam M. Tellez-Cruz, Jorge Escorihuela, Omar Solorza-Feria, Vicente Compan
Summary: The study of electrochemical catalyst conversion of renewable electricity and carbon oxides into chemical fuels is crucial for mitigating the global energy crisis. Research efforts are currently focused on developing high-performance membranes and nanomaterials with high catalytic activity to improve fuel cell performance and reduce the use of expensive platinum group metals.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Erli Qu, Xiaofeng Hao, Min Xiao, Dongmei Han, Sheng Huang, Zhiheng Huang, Shuanjin Wang, Yuezhong Meng
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress in high temperature proton exchange membranes (HT-PEMs), focusing on phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) and non-PBI based proton conducting polymers as promising materials. The challenges and future directions for further development of HT-PEMs are also addressed.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Osung Kwon, Kwangjin Oh, JaeHyoung Park, Sam Park, Tae Gwan Lee, Byungrak Son
Summary: This study investigated the proton conductivity enhancement mechanism of Nafion-silica sulfuric acid (SSA) composite membranes using atomic force microscopy. It was found that among different weight percentages of SSA, 1 wt% SSA exhibited the highest proton conductivity and thermal properties, attributed to the separation of the hydrophilic ionic channel network and hydrophobic backbone in the microstructural morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Hang Wang, Jinghan Zhang, Xin Ning, Mingwei Tian, Yunze Long, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: The article discusses the importance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and the current research status of preparing nanofiber composite proton exchange membranes (NCPEMs) using nanocomposite technology. By introducing nanofibers, long-range proton transport channels can be formed and the skeleton can be reinforced to improve the performance of PEMFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Liu, Yijing Xing, Zhiyong Fu, Yifan Li, Zhuoqun Li, Haibin Li
Summary: In this study, a novel approach for preparing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) is proposed to optimize the interface combination and durability of proton exchange membrane (PEM) and catalyst layers (CLs). This approach combines a wet-contact interface design strategy and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) reinforcing technology. The MEAs prepared using the wet-contact process show significantly reduced interfacial resistance and charge-transfer resistance, improved electrochemical surface area, and superior power performance compared to conventional MEAs. The insertion of ePTFE reinforcement skeletons into the PFSA membrane also reduces hydrogen crossover and mechanical degradation.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeehoon Shin, Mingyu Son, Sun- Kim, Shin Ae Song, Duck Hyun Lee
Summary: Efficient catalyst layer design is crucial for the performance and stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Gradient multilayer design can increase efficiency and improve performance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Seung Kim
Summary: As fuel cells and electrolyzers demand higher performance and durability, the design of polymer electrolytes is evolving with a focus on increasing ionic concentration. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of high ionic concentration polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices, summarizing synthetic approaches, performance benefits, challenges, and prospects. The goal is to explain the working principles of these electrolytes in high-performing fuel cells and electrolyzers, while also generating interest in utilizing these materials in tackling tough scientific challenges in emerging fields.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
Alberto Boretti, Stefania Castelletto
Summary: While improvements are being made in the design and materials used in fuel cells and electrolyzers, there is a lack of real-world applications and testing of MXenes as electrode materials.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyunseung Lee, Hongdae Seo, Seong Ku Kim, Insung Bae
Summary: The aligned nanostructure of perfluorinated polymer electrolytes, achieved through capillary force lithography, enables increased proton conductivity. A hierarchical structure is realized through soft lithography, allowing control over the structures of proton-transporting channels. The line-patterned membranes show enhanced proton conductivities, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance analysis. Moreover, an increased interfacial contact area improves the power generation efficiency of the membrane-electrode assembly in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Yang Liu, Zhengkai Tu, Siew Hwa Chan
Summary: This review introduces the application of ejectors in improving fuel utilization and prolonging the lifespan of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It covers the basic structure and working states of ejectors, as well as the design method and optimization in PEMFCs, along with their influence on stack performance.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jian Wang, Wei Ding, Zidong Wei
Summary: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to internal combustion engines for the future due to their ability to generate electricity from hydrogen while emitting only water. However, the high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) sources have hindered the widespread adoption of fuel cells. To achieve the desired Pt utilization level and improve performance, further research is needed to address challenges such as limited catalytic activity in real fuel cell operations.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaewoo Cho, Daeho Kim, Jung S. Yi, Sehkyu Park
Summary: This study introduces novel self-standing microporous layers (SSMPLs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and investigates their performance compared to commercially available gas diffusion layers. Experimental and theoretical methods were used to analyze the mechanisms that lead to higher PEMFC performance with PVDF-bound SSMPLs. Atomic force microscopy was utilized to visualize the microstructures of the different layers and propose water transport mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)