Anion Exchange Membranes with 1D, 2D and 3D Fillers: A Review

Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) are clean energy conversion devices that are an attractive alternative to the more common proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), because they present, among others, the advantage of not using noble metals like platinum as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. The interest in this technology has increased exponentially over the recent years. Unfortunately, the low durability of anion exchange membranes (AEM) in basic conditions limits their use on a large scale. We present in this review composite AEM with one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional fillers, an approach commonly used to enhance the fuel cell performance and stability. The most important filler types, which are discussed in this review, are carbon and titanate nanotubes, graphene and graphene oxide, layered double hydroxides, silica and zirconia nanoparticles. The functionalization of the fillers is the most important key to successful property improvement. The recent progress of mechanical properties, ionic conductivity and FC performances of composite AEM is critically reviewed.

Automated summary

Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) are clean energy conversion devices that present an attractive alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to their advantages of not using noble metals like platinum and their increasing interest in recent years. However, the low durability of anion exchange membranes (AEM) in basic conditions limits their large-scale use. Composite AEM with different fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and silica nanoparticles, have been used to enhance fuel cell performance and stability, with filler functionalization being a key factor in successful property improvement. Recent progress in mechanical properties, ionic conductivity, and fuel cell performances of composite AEM is critically reviewed.