Proton Exchange Membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: An Analysis of Perfluorosulfonic Acid and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Ionomers

Proton Exchange Membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: An Analysis of Perfluorosulfonic Acid and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Ionomers

Pablo A. García-Salaberri

Ionomers can be classified into two main groups: (i) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers, and (ii) aromatic hydrocarbon (HC) polymers. In this work, an analysis of key characteristics of both PEM types is presented, including water uptake, proton conductivity, water transport properties, thermal conductivity, permeability, mechanical properties and chemical and thermal stability, among others. Comparatively, PFSA-based PEMs are undoubtedly the commercial standard due to its proven high proton conductivity and good chemical stability, even though reinforced aromatic HC-based PEMs have also started to be commercialized recently. In the last decades, a growing trend is identified toward the development of hybrid and composite ultra-thin PEMs (5–20 μm in thickness) with tailored properties.

Sustainable Materials and Technologies, Volume 38, December 2023, e00727
Corresponding Author: Pablo A. García-Salaberri

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