Key materials and progress of fuel cells

Ion exchange membranes are the most important parts of fuel cells. According to its conduction ion species, the ion exchange membrane(IEM)includes the cation exchange membrane(CEM) and the anion exchange membrane(AEM), which are used in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) and the alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell(APEFC). This paper reviews the research and the application of these two types of batteries, focusing on the main problems of the common anion exchange membranes and its synthesis methods and the degradation mechanism. Finally, the developmental and research prospects are forecasted.