Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A review

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.

Automated summary

This review focuses on improving the performance of air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells by optimizing key parameters such as the design and material of the current collector, cathode gas diffusion layer, catalyst layer, and cell orientation. It also discusses the impact of ambient conditions on fuel cell performance and methods to mitigate extreme temperature and humidity effects. Additionally, it summarizes hydrogen storage and delivery technologies used in these fuel cells and critiques their design aspects. The review concludes by highlighting the challenges to widespread commercialization of air-breathing fuel cell technology by examining reported fuel cell stacks and systems.