Fuel Cells - Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells | Membranes: Composites

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered to be a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation in the twenty-first century. Current PEMFC technology is based on expensive perflourinated proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) that operate effectively only under fully hydrated conditions. There is considerable application-driven interest in lowering the membrane cost and extending the operating window of PEMs. A number of possible alternative candidates are reviewed and presented in this chapter. The alternative PEMs are classified into three categories: (1) modified Nafion® composite membranes; (2) functionalized nonfluorinated membranes and composite membranes therein; and (3) acid-base composite membranes. Several commonly used inorganic additives are reviewed in the context of composite membranes.