Metal- Organic Framework Containing Polymeric Membranes for Fuel Cells

Abstract

Fuel cells have attracted immense attention due to their application in green energy initiatives. The proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are the two classes of fuel cells that work with polymer membrane technology. The pristine membranes of different polymeric materials lack the necessary properties to be called high-performing proton exchange membranes. However, the addition of porous materials like metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has brought substantial improvements regarding their proton conductivity, chemical, mechanical, and thermal steadiness. There have also been significant improvements in terms of methanol permeability. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have fascinated scientists due to their porous structure, capacity to hold molecules, high selectivity, tunable pore size, and ability to undergo modifications in functionalization or post-synthetic modifications. Researchers have focused on developing composite membranes as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells (FCs). MOF-incorporated composite membranes have exhibited tremendous potential and significant future material applications. This chapter provides an insight into the development of MOF-incorporated composite membranes as PEMs for FCs. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Anil Kumar Pabby; S. Ranil Wickramasinghe; and Ana- Maria Sastre; individual chapters, the contributors.