Anion exchange membrane fuel cell: New insights and advancements

Abstract

Anion exchange membrane (AEM)‐based fuel cells as an alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attracting a lot of attention due to lower cost perceived due to use of non‐platinum group metals as the catalysts. This review has focused on the advancements in the materials that have led to achievements in performances similar to that of PEMFC and the challenges that need to be overcome to bring the technology to commercialization. The improvements in the properties of the AEM, the advancements in the AEM, binders and understandings of the cationic species adsorption on the catalysts have led to improved performances >3 W cm−2. The review also highlights the importance of the stability issues of the membranes that has to be overcome for >5000 h of continuous operation for commercialization of the alkaline AEM fuel cell technology. The advancements in other operational parameters like water management, carbonation are also highlighted.