Technical and Commercial Challenges of Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

Abstract

This review critically evaluates the latest trends in fuel cell development for portable and stationary fuel cell applications and their integration into the automotive industry. Fast start-up, high efficiency, no toxic emissions into the atmosphere and good modularity are the key advantages of fuel cell applications. Despite the merits associated with fuel cells, the high cost of the technology remains a key factor impeding its widespread commercialization. Therefore, this review presents detailed information into the best operating conditions that yield maximum fuel cell performance. The paper recommends future research geared towards robust fuel cell geometry designs, as this determines the cell losses, and material characterization of the various cell components. When this is done properly, it will support a total reduction in the cost of the cell which in effect will reduce the total cost of the system. Despite the strides made by the fuel cell research community, there is a need for public sensitization as some people have reservations regarding the safety of the technology. This hurdle can be overcome if there is a well-documented risk assessment, which also needs to be considered in future research activities.

Two-Dimensional MoS2: Structural Properties, Synthesis Methods, and Regulation Strategies toward Oxygen Reduction

“…Due to the high energy conversion efficiency and environmental friendliness, hydrogen fuel cells have been regarded as one of the most important clean energy conversion devices to solve the energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, the main challenge in hydrogen fuel cells is to find a highly efficient catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) [1]. The complex multi-step electron transfer process and the slow mass diffusion of the reaction itself lead to slow ORR kinetics [2].…”

“…(D) Top and side views of the optimized adsorption configurations of (a) O2-adsorbed P-MoS2, (b) 2O-adsorbed P-MoS2, and (c) 2O-adsorbed 2P-MoS2.The Hirshfeld charge values of the corresponding atoms are also given. (E) Optimized structure configuration of reactant, intermediates, and product(1)(2)(3)(4) and the corresponding reaction pathways of the ORR on a 2P-MoS2 sheet in an alkaline environment. Reproduced with permission from[88] Copyright © 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science.…”

Assessment of Sensitivity to Evaluate the Impact of Operating Parameters on Stability and Performance in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…F, T and R represent the Faraday, temperature, and gas constants, respectively. E denotes the electrode potential and E r refers to the equilibrium potential; the difference between them is referred to as the overpotential, which is usually represented by η, see Equations ( 4) and (5).…”

“…Its working principle can be concluded as the oxidation-reduction reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrons, and the transmission of electrons to form current [1,2]. The rate and degree of this process determine the performance of PEMFC, while the process is controlled by the coupling of multiple parameters [3][4][5].…”

Design and Modeling of Metallic Bipolar Plates for a Fuel Cell Range Extender

“…This is a challenging task, as such, as there are many physical processes to be considered that are all directly or indirectly coupled. The work of Alaswad et al [56] provides a good overview of the influence of operating parameters on fuel cell performance. Performance can, in turn, only be measured if a working fuel cell already exists.…”