Nanofiber-Based Proton Exchange Membranes: Development of Aligned Electrospun Nanofibers for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Applications

To ensure sustainable energy and environments for the future, nanotechnology is continuing to contribute new solutions and prospects. Materials with nanofibrous structures are attractive when it comes to addressing several energy issues. Carbon-based fuel dependability is an especial concern, since employing this fuel results in the constant discharge of enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions into the ecosphere as well as diminishing fossil fuel reserves. Hence, it is urgent to decrease the reliance on fossil fuels and focus on using renewable sources, such as solar and hydrogen energy. As a result of the recent challenges associated with society's current energy needs and emerging ecological concerns, the pursuit of novel, low-cost, and environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage devices has attracted growing attention. Because of their high efficiency, high power density, and low greenhouse gas emissions, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have drawn extensive interest as energy sources for automobiles, portable electronics, and residential power generation. The main challenges associated with PEMFC concern the development of a robust, durable, low-cost proton exchange membrane (PEM). In this regard, electrospinning has generated considerable interest as a promising method for fabricating nanofiber-based PEMs owing to the specific properties associated with its advanced features, including its high surface area, low density, high pore volume, and easy scale-up. This review summarizes the recent work on the development of PEMs based on electrospun nanofibers and gives a brief overview of the fabrication, properties, and fuel cell application. In addition, this review briefly highlights the strategies utilized for the recent developments of nanofiber-based PEMs for high-temperature PEMFCs, as discussed in the recent literature.