A Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs)

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are electrochemical devices that can transform the chemical energy stored in fuel directly into electrical energy, Commercialization of PEM fuel cells has progressed significantly in recent years. One of the primary obstacles preventing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) from being a commercially viable product is their durability. To offset insufficient fuel cell durability, it is critical to understand their degradation phenomena and study the degradation mechanisms of its components. This will allow novel component materials to be produced and novel viable designs to be achieved. The various causes of degradation in important cell components, such as membranes, gas diffusion layers, and catalyst layers were reviewed, which included accelerated stress test (AST) analysis. Thermodynamic and kinetic factors linked to fuel cell operation are discussed along with a discussion of reactions that may be involved in catalyst deterioration. The use of water collectors in PEMFCs mitigates the challenge of cathodic flooding in PEMFCs. Optimization of PEMFCs efficiency can also be achieved by introducing platinum, iron, and nickel deposition as support catalyst as well as by reduction in fuel cell ripples. Zirconated-based proton conducting materials show prospects as an alternative for Nafion due to its stability at high temperatures.