Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A review

Calili-Cankir, Fatma; Ismail, Mohammed S.; Ingham, Derek B.; Hughes, Kevin J.; Ma, Lin; Pourkashanian, Mohamed

Abstract

Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become a promising power source to provide uninterrupted power for small electronic devices. This review focuses primarily on describing how the air-breathing PEFC performance is improved through optimisation of some key parameters: the design and material of the current collector; the design and material of the cathode gas diffusion layer; the catalyst layer; and cell orientation. In addition, it reviews the impact of the ambient conditions on the fuel cell performance and describes the methods adopted to mitigate the effects of extreme conditions of ambient temperature and humidity. Hydrogen storage and delivery technologies used in air-breathing fuel cells are then summarised and their design aspects are discussed critically. Finally, the few reported air-breathing fuel cell stacks and systems are reviewed, highlighting the challenges to the widespread commercialisation of air-breathing fuel cell technology.

Citation

Calili-Cankir, F., Ismail, M. S., Ingham, D. B., Hughes, K. J., Ma, L., & Pourkashanian, M. (2023). Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A review. Renewable energy, 213, 86-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.05.134

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 1, 2023
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 17, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 17, 2023
• Journal: Renewable Energy
• Print ISSN: 0960-1481
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-0682
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 213
• Pages: 86-108
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.05.134
• Keywords: Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells; Portable applications; Open cathode; Fuel cell performance; Ambient conditions
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4335090