Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell: Challenges and Current Developments

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are promising candidates for alternative energy conversion devices for future applications ranging from automobile to stationary applications due to their comparatively higher power density, quicker start-up, higher efficiency, and low or practically zero emission characteristics. However, it faces some challenges such as durability and cost, which affect its commercialisation. Transport losses in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are one of the most challenging issues in design and operation of these fuel cells. To overcome these barriers it is necessary to understand the water management, thermal design, compatibility of advanced materials leading to smooth and effective operation resulting in an economical solution. The lifespan of the PEM fuel cell depends on the durability of its component material on one hand, and also on the transport losses during operation on the other hand. The transport losses cause the decrease in its working efficiency. The objective of this work is to present the challenging issues in the PEM fuel cell for its design and operation. This work presents the latest status of PEM fuel cell technology development and applications in stationary, transportation and potable usage incorporating more efficient microfluidic fuel cells.