A review of progressive advanced polymer nanohybrid membrane in fuel cell application

This review provides a deep insight into the advanced polymer composite developed in fuel cell application. Organic polymer combined with inorganic filler has produced a new material known as a hybrid membrane or composite membrane. This combination has enhanced the various characteristics including conductivity properties, membrane permeability, and stability, cheaper, optimum water retention and mechanical properties. Properties of the hybrid membrane are influenced totally by several factors such as membrane preparation techniques as well as internal properties of particles involved, for example, inorganic fillers such as the size and type of particles, surface alkaline or acidity, shape and formation of networking between the polymer phase. The conventional membrane used in the fuel cell application is Nafion. Nafion potential is undoubtedly in obtains of high conductivity, but it faces some major problems such as CO poisoning, high cost, fuel crossover and water management that needs to be taken seriously. Hybrid composite is seen as an alternative material to addressing problems faced by a conventional membrane but promises even better potential if explored in depth. In this article, all inorganic fillers involved in the production of the composite membranes have been discussed comprehensively. Different types of polymers have been categorized with various fillers.