Recent studies on proton exchange membrane fuel cell components, review of the literature

• The developmental trends of materials in the components of PEM Fuel Cells, specifically focusing on the membrane and materials in bipolar plates (BPs). • A review has been conducted on several polymer types that are manufactured as proton exchange membranes. • Graphite BPs is limited due to their properties, composite BPs concentrate on the characteristics of fillers. • Metallic BPs, on the other hand, primarily focus on coating technologies due to corrosion concerns. This study investigates the membrane and the bipolar plate which are the most important components of polymer electrolyte membrane/proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Firsts, functions of components have been explained in detail. Also, the common materials and material properties of membrane and bipolar plate used for PEMFC have been explored. In this context, current studies on membranes and bipolar plates, the production methods used, preferred materials and attachments were investigated in detail, respectively. Recent studies about membranes and bipolar plates have been exposed, along with a comprehensive review of currently available studies. Current studies on the mentioned components to gain the properties they need to have in order to operate in the fuel cell have been examined and inferences have been made that will shed light on commercial production.