Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Principles and advances

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are currently under intensive development for a range of power generation application in transportation, stationary and portable power. The PEMFC can produce electricity at high fuel efficiency and high energy density. The PEMFC is typically based on Nafion or similar polymers and operates at low temperatures of less than 80 C. This article reviews the design principles of the PEMFC, the advances made in their performance and considers their limitations in relation to the source and types of fuel used to generate power