Anion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives

Fuel cell technology is a clean way of generating energy and should enable carbon neutrality. However, although traditional proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have made a commercial impact, their high cost hinders their wider adoption. Fuel cells that use anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are a promising alternative to PEMFCs, as they can achieve the same performance at a lower cost. In this Perspective, recent trends in the fabrication of polymer-based high-performance AEMs are highlighted and future directions are identified. Since ensuring the durability of polymers in strong alkaline conditions is the most critical issue in the development of AEM fuel cells, strategies for the formation of polymers with chemical stability, mechanical stability, and ionic conductivity are primarily focused on. Successes in polymer design are expected to inaugurate the next generation of AEMs and trigger a fresh wave of innovation, leading to the development of long-lasting fuel cells that reduce carbon emissions and facilitate sustainable development.