Energy Sustainability through Regenerative Fuel Cells

Dear Colleagues,

The development of alternative methods for generating electricity with high efficiency, minimum production of greenhouse gases, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels is essential to face the challenges of a society in continuous development. Fuel cell devices, batteries, and supercapacitors are potential candidates for reaching this objective. In this context, the flexibility and adaptability of fuel cells are at the center of new and promising technological developments through their applications in transportation, distributed power, and portable devices for daily use are the most promising in terms of the advancement of clean and safe technologies for industrial sustainable energy generation.

Generally, two broad classes can be defined: proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). PEMFCs warrant high-power density and have recent exciting advances in research and development for commercialization. However, technical limitations and concerns about the high-cost catalysts used, such as Pt, have promoted further research to elucidate their durability; to improve bipolar plates and membranes; and to use hydrogen to ensure system stability. Many studies have been conducted to find alternatives to overcome the problems of PEMFCs in the last decade. AEMFCs represent the low-platinum or even non-platinum catalyst option. Although they have a low conductivity, in comparison to the PEMFCs, their activation energy associated with the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is very low, thus making them an affordable option.

In this Special Issue, we encourage researchers and technologists interested in all aspects of the science, technology, and applications of electrochemical power sources to submit original research papers and reviews emphasizing the impact on society and environment of these new energy technologies. We look for studies assessing the economic, social, and/or environmental impacts, along with possible health and toxicity implications of the components of these devices.

Prof. Dr. Ivan Santamaria Holek
Prof. Dr. Vicente Compañ Moreno
Guest Editors

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