Solid polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cell applications—a review

Fuel cells represent a clean alternative to current technologies for utilizing hydrocarbon fuel resources. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have acquired due importance as they are best suited for applications where a quick start up is required such as in automobiles. The prime requirements of fuel cell membranes are high proton conductivity, low methanol/water permeability, good mechanical and thermal stability and moderate price. Membranes and the operating parameters together have a profound influence on performance of PEMFCs. Perfluorinated ionomers, hydrocarbon and aromatic polymers and acid–base complexes have been described in the review. The performance o f m a ©