A review on the role of membrane electrode assembly in the steady-state, transient performance, and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as promising energy conversion devices for mainly automotive applications in order to address the latest global issues of climatic change. PEMFC has two main-fold advantages: the first being it’s almost zero emission as its end product is only water and the other being its efficiency as is not bounded by second law of thermodynamics, hence its theoretical efficiency is as high as 95%. PEMFC is preferred for automobiles as they exhibit high energy efficiency, low operating temperatures, and low emissions, making them suited for a wide range of applications, including automotive, stationary power production, and portable devices. This present article summarizes the latest state of the global art PEMFC technology and corresponding advancement with respect to low cost highly efficient materials for catalyst, membrane electrolyte, gas diffusion layers with their limitations. The study dwells upon study of GDLs and new innovations in its materials to improve diffusivity of gas layer and improved water management strategies which overcome water flooding as well as thermal bursting of membranes. Key advancements include the development of efficient new materials for catalyst namely non-platinum/non-precious metal catalyst, and platinum alloy materials which are highly cost effective. Numerous researches have been carried out to replace conventional Nafion membrane with more economical alternatives like poly benzimidazole (PBI), sulfonated poly arylene ether sulfone (SPAES) and poly ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) with almost equivalent performance. Optimal current density in order to avoid back diffusion of water through membrane has been established and reported. We have critically reviewed the steady and dynamics performance of Catalysis and Membrane and durability on MEAS for Automotive applications. Also, techno eeconomic analysis of Alternative MEA Materials has been revealed with Strategic Recommendations. Conclusions also clearly depicting the future research directions and unresolved issues on PEMFC development.