Proton Conducting Polymer Electrolytes for Fuel Cells via Electrospinning Technique

Abstract

Fuel cells are gaining a considerable attention as a clean and promising technology for energy conversion in the twenty-first century. One of the key benefits of fuel cells is the direct energy conversion that enables the achievement of high efficiency. Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are the key components in fuel cell system and there is a considerable application-driven interest in lowering the membrane cost and extending the operating window of PEMs. Current proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) technology is based on expensive perfluorinated PEMs that operate effectively only under fully hydrated conditions. To address this problem, electrospinning is a promising technique, which can produce nanoscale fibres. This chapter thus presents an overview of fuel cell technology and production of proton exchange membranes developed through electrospinning technique. An attempt was also made to discuss the recent progress made on the new materials, such as Nafion, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), etc. The unique three-dimensional network structures of the electrospun membranes offer adequate mechanical properties and proton conductivity. Among the nanofibres, sulfonated polyimide nanofibres showed improved membrane stability. Composite membranes composed of highly conductive and selective layer-by-layer (LbL) films and electrospun fibre mats are investigated for mechanical strength and electrochemical selectivity. At the end, we have discussed the present status and the future prospectus of electrospun nanofibres for fuel cell applications. To compile this chapter and to provide adequate information to the readers, we have explored all possible ways, such as research articles, reviews, books, book chapters and Google sites.