Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells for Sustainable Energy Production

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells are the key to sustainable energy production in the near future. The authors combine the specifications of the variety of polymers used for manufacture of high as well as low temperature polymer electrolyte membranes, the various combinations of catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers that are available and its applications in terrestrial transport systems. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells function depending on the arrangement of the membrane electrode assembly, which directly or indirectly relates it to the type of polymer membrane used in the fuel cell. As the temperature of operation increases, the power density increases which basically happens due to greater allowable driving force difference. The authors attempt to classify these fuel cells for into high temperature and low temperature. The following article is a review of the detailed analysis of each component of the Polymer Electrolyte membrane fuel cell particularly highlighting latest modifications in the materials used for the various components .Multiple elementary reaction pathways are possible at each electrode during the operation of the Polymer fuel cell and many interrelated and complex phenomena occur. The following article is a review of the detailed analysis of each component of the Polymer Electrolyte membrane fuel cell particularly highlighting latest modifications in the materials used for the various components.