Polybenzimidazole-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for High-Temperature Fuel Cells: Current Status and Prospects

Zhengping Zhou, Oksana Zholobko, Xiang-Fa Wu, Ted Aulich, Jivan Thakare and John Hurley
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Zhengping Zhou: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Oksana Zholobko: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Xiang-Fa Wu: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Ted Aulich: Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
Jivan Thakare: Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
John Hurley: Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA

Energies, 2020, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-27

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) expect a promising future in addressing the major problems associated with production and consumption of renewable energies and meeting the future societal and environmental needs. Design and fabrication of new proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity and durability is crucial to overcome the drawbacks of the present PEMs. Acid-doped polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) carry high proton conductivity and long-term thermal, chemical, and structural stabilities are recognized as the suited polymeric materials for next-generation PEMs of high-temperature fuel cells in place of Nafion ® membranes. This paper aims to review the recent developments in acid-doped PBI-based PEMs for use in PEMFCs. The structures and proton conductivity of a variety of acid-doped PBI-based PEMs are discussed. More recent development in PBI-based electrospun nanofiber PEMs is also considered. The electrochemical performance of PBI-based PEMs in PEMFCs and new trends in the optimization of acid-doped PBIs are explored.

Keywords: fuel cells; polymer electrolyte membranes; proton exchange membranes (PEMs); polybenzimidazole (PBI); high-temperature PEMs; acid doping; proton conductivity; nanofibers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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