Proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes based on hydrocarbon polymers

This paper presents an overview of the synthesis, chemical and electrochemi cal properties, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell applications of new proto n-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes based on hydrocarbon polymers. D ue to their chemical stability, high degree of proton conductivity, and rem arkable mechanical properties, perfluorinated polymer electrolytes such as Nafion(R), Aciplex(R), Flemion(R), and Dow membranes are some of the most p romising electrolyte membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. A number of reviews on the synthesis, electrochemical properties, and fuel cell app lications of perfluorinated polymer electrolytes have also appeared during this period. While perfluorinated polymer electrolytes have satisfactory pr operties for a successful fuel cell electrolyte membrane, the major drawbac ks to large-scale commercial use involve cost and low proton-conductivities at high temperatures and low humidities. Presently, one of the most promis ing ways to obtain high performance proton-conducting polymer electrolyte m embranes is the use of hydrocarbon polymers for the polymer backbone. The p resent review attempts for the first time to summarize the synthesis, chemi cal and electrochemical properties, and fuel cell applications of new proto n-conducting polymer electrolytes based on hydrocarbon polymers that have b een made during the past decade. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.