To ensure sustainable energy and
environments for the future, nanotechnology
is continuing to contribute new solutions and prospects. Materials
with nanofibrous structures are attractive when it comes to addressing
several energy issues. Carbon-based fuel dependability is an especial
concern, since employing this fuel results in the constant discharge
of enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions into the ecosphere
as well as diminishing fossil fuel reserves. Hence, it is urgent to
decrease the reliance on fossil fuels and focus on using renewable
sources, such as solar and hydrogen energy. As a result of the recent
challenges associated with society’s current energy needs and
emerging ecological concerns, the pursuit of novel, low-cost, and
environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage devices has
attracted growing attention. Because of their high efficiency, high
power density, and low greenhouse gas emissions, polymer electrolyte
membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have drawn extensive interest as energy
sources for automobiles, portable electronics, and residential power
generation. The main challenges associated with PEMFC concern the
development of a robust, durable, low-cost proton exchange membrane
(PEM). In this regard, electrospinning has generated considerable
interest as a promising method for fabricating nanofiber-based PEMs
owing to the specific properties associated with its advanced features,
including its high surface area, low density, high pore volume, and
easy scale-up. This review summarizes the recent work on the development
of PEMs based on electrospun nanofibers and gives a brief overview
of the fabrication, properties, and fuel cell application. In addition,
this review briefly highlights the strategies utilized for the recent
developments of nanofiber-based PEMs for high-temperature PEMFCs,
as discussed in the recent literature.
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