Polymer electrolyte membrane modification in direct ethanol fuel cells: An update

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) offer a high degree of design flexibility, ranging from single cell to massive multi-cell that can be used in various applications, including portable devices, transportation, and stationary applications. Unfortunately, the most significant barrier commercialization DEFCs is getting low-cost permeability, conductivity performance, extended durability polymer electrolyte membranes, as key components highly influence overall performance. In this paper, recent progress developing membrane for application has been comprehensively reviewed. Focusing on an updated modification polymeric materials last 5 years, Nafion-based membrane, polyvinyl alcohol-based polybenzimidazoles-based chitosan-based sodium alginate-based well factors challenges affected performance membranes have discussed, main characterization, catalyst selection, design, work DEFCs. All discussion addresses strategy improve order penetrate stages.