RESEARCH PROGRESS ON PORTON-CONDUCTING POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES OF FUEL CELLS

Proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes are used as the electrolytes of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFC). The performance of the PEMFC are strongly dependent on the characteristics of the membrane. In this paper, the principles of the PEMFC and the requirements of the membrane utilized in the PEMFC were introduced. The perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, partially fluorinated and non-fluorinated membranes were reviewed respectively. The structures, preparation, properties of the various types of membranes and their applications in the PEMFC were also discussed in detail.