Abstract
Fuel cells hold great promise for wide applications in portable, residential, and large-scale power supplies. For low temperature fuel cells, such as the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) are a key component determining the fuel cells performance. PEMs with high proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions can allow PEMFCs to be operated above 100 °C, enabling use of hydrogen fuels with high-CO contents and improving the electrocatalytic activity. PEMs with high proton conductivity and low methanol crossover are critical for lowering catalyst loadings at the cathode and improving the performance and long-term stability of DMFCs. This review provides a summary of a number of novel acid-base blend membranes consisting of an acidic polymer and a basic compound containing N-heterocycle groups, which are promising for PEMFCs and DMFCs.
Highlights
Environmental concerns caused by the use of fossil fuels and the increasing demand for energy have accelerated the research in alternative energy technologies for several decades
H2 gas is oxidized at the anode producing H+ ions, which are transported to the cathode through a proton-conducting membrane (PEM), while the electrons flowing through the external circuit to the cathode
These results indicate that moderate amount of acid-base interactions between DBImB and sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) could increase the proton conductivity and prominently lower methanol crossover, which is advantageous for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)
Summary
Environmental concerns caused by the use of fossil fuels and the increasing demand for energy have accelerated the research in alternative energy technologies for several decades. An Polymers 2012, 4 electrochemical energy conversion device converting chemical energy in fuels directly into electricity without combustion, offer inimitable superiorities in management, energy density, fuel sources and environmental friendliness They are appealing for commercial, residential, and military applications and are one of the most promising pathways to provide clean energy and address the increasing energy demand [1,2,3]. Crossover reduces the fuel utilization, and decreases the lifetime of catalysts For both PEMFCs and DMFCs, the PEM is a key component, which needs to have the following properties: (i) high proton conductivity under the operating conditions; (ii) high chemical and mechanical stability; (iii) low permeability of fuels; and (iv) low cost [6]. Other alternative PEMs have been systematically reviewed by Hickner et al [2], Zhang et al [3], and Bose et al [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
