Inamuddin

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are among the most anticipated stationary clean energy devices in renewable and alternative energy. Despite the appreciable improvement in their cost and durability, which are the two major commercialization barriers, their availability has not matched demand. This is mainly due to the use of expensive metal-catalyst, less durable membrane and poor insight into the ongoing phenomena inside the proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Efforts are being made to optimize the use of precious metals of platinum as catalyst layers or find alternatives that can be durable for more than 5000 hours. The computational models are also being developed and studied to get an insight into the shortcomings and provide solutions. The announcement by various companies that they will be producing proton exchange membrane fuel cells-based cars by 2025 has accelerated the current research on proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The breakthrough is urgently needed.