The Role of Nanotechnology in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and Microbial Fuel Cell: The Insight of Nanohybrid

Abstract

The utilization of proton exchange membrane (PEM) or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) is attaining prominence for the production of energy; however, these technologies come with their challenges like the cost of platinum catalyst, which is fifty percent of the total budget of the technologies. Here, the role of nanotechnology in proton exchange membrane and microbial fuel cells is reviewed. Remarkable exploits have been committed to the use of nano-materials to synthesize catalyst that are earth-abundant as an alternative to -platinum catalyst. The design of these nano-materials must be intentional for the attainment of very large surface areas. In the quest of making fuel cells affordable, researchers have focused their attention on designing nanomaterials that will make fuel cells cost-effective. The outstanding chemical characteristics in addition to the physical characteristics of these nano-materials have resulted in all-encompassing investigations targeted at enhancing the performance and cost-effectiveness of fuel cells. The application of nano-materials has also been extended in areas such as PEMFC and MFC, by incorporating the nanomaterials in the membranes and electrodes for the purpose of enhancing the performance of the fuel cells. The future prospects of proton exchange membrane and microbial fuel cells in the light of nanohybrids discussed showed that nanohybrids yields outstanding mechanical properties together with chemical steadiness; increased selectivity and proton conductivity; increased electron transfer efficiency and the highest capacitance; increased output power density and the transference of charge; and upsurge kinetics of the electrodes which will enhance power production.