Proton-Exchange Membranes: Advances and Applications
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 7656
Special Issue Editor
Interests: hydrogen fuel cell; proton-exchange membrane; perfluorinated sulfonic acid membrane; ion-exchange membrane; membranes for vanadium flow batteries; membranes for CO2 electrolyzers
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Proton-exchange membrane (PEM), playing roles as both a proton conductor and an anode–cathode separator, is a crucial component determining the performance and durability of MEA for PEM fuel cells and other energy conversion technologies. Because of their superior chemical/electrochemical stability and excellent proton conductivity, perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes have become the benchmark of fuel cell membrane materials. Currently, the e-PTFE reinforced PFSA membranes containing free-radical scavenger additives can serve basic needs for the rapidly developing fuel cell vehicle markets.
Recent research has focused on facilitating advances in PEMs resulting in outstanding performance in a variety of energy conversion devices. For example, PEMs with improved proton conductivity at high temperature and low humidity are under development, with novel approaches such as aligned ionic cluster channels with proton pathways or incorporated nanoparticle/-sheet additives. Due to the drawbacks associated with PFSA production cost and environmental concerns of fluoropolymers, the study of hydrocarbon membranes has been a continual effort toward seeking alternative membranes. In addition, an in-depth understanding of the structure–property relationship is essential for the design of next-generation membranes.
In addition to fuel cell applications, PEM, in recent years, has extended its clean energy applications to other electrochemical devices, such as PEM water electrolyzers for hydrogen production, vanadium redox flow batteries for energy storage, and CO2 electrolyzers for the reduction of GHG emissions.
This Special Issue is focused on novel approaches for designing and developing advanced PEM materials for a wide range of renewable energy applications as well as a better understanding of the structure–property relationship of current PEM materials. It is my pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript. Full papers, communications, and reviews covering these subjects are all welcome.
Dr. Zhiqing (Ken) Shi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- proton-exchange membrane
- perfluorinated sulfonic acid membrane
- organic–inorganic hybrid membrane
- proton conductivity
- structure–property relationship
- PEM fuel cell
- vanadium redox flow battery
