Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs)

Dear Colleagues,

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) spontaneously produces power, heat and water from the oxygen in the air and a fuel. Hydrogen is preferred as the fuel because it is a renewable fuel if synthesized, for example, by water electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy. Furthermore, fuel cells coupled with hydrogen manufacturing improve resiliency by fulfilling the energy storage needs of electric grids constrained by intermittent renewable energy generation (solar, wind). More specifically, discharge (fuel cell) and recharge (water electrolysis) durations exceeding a few days for power plant ratings below a few megawatts are not accessible to other energy storage technologies. PEMFCs are commercially available for a few applications including cars, forklifts, and generators for homes and backup systems. Improvements in cost, performance and durability are needed to assist commercialization efforts because the technology is not yet mature.

This Special Issue focuses on all PEMFC scientific and technological aspects that decrease cost and increase performance and durability, including novel characterization methods, mathematical models, and accelerated stress tests to gain additional insight, as well as degradation mechanisms, innovative materials and original cell component, cell, stack, and system designs.

Dr. Jean St-Pierre
Dr. Shangfeng Du
Guest Editors

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