Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In the past decade, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have attracted much attention as emission-free power sources with high energy conversion efficiency. As one of the core components of PEMFCs, proton exchange membranes (PEMs) directly correlate with the performance of PEMFCs. However, there are few PEMs that fulfill the requirements for large-scale applications of PEMFCs. The organic-inorganic hybrid membranes possess advantages of both organic and inorganic phases and are considered to be promising PEMs in the PEMFC applications. In this review, we primarily focus on the most recent developments of Nafion-based and other polymer-based organic-inorganic hybrid membranes for PEMFCs. In addition, we also summarize some challenges that emerge during the preparation of the organic-inorganic hybrid membranes and propose approaches for overcoming these challenges.