Plasma Technology Applications in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems

Fuel cells have become a prominent research focus in the realm of clean energy, owing to their attributes of environmental sustainability, high efficiency, and renewable potential. The catalytic activity of electrode materials and the characteristics of proton exchange membranes are considered pivotal determinants of fuel cell performance. Plasma is abundant in high-energy electrons and active species, proven to be a rapid, facile, and green approach for the preparation and treatment of catalytic materials and polymers. This review presents recent applications of plasma technology in proton exchange membrane fuel cells across four key dimensions: cathodes, anodes, proton exchange membranes, and process enhancement, including the preparation and treatment of noble metal catalysts, non-noble metal catalysts, non-metal catalysts, and polymer membranes. Furthermore, critical issues of plasma technology applied in PEMFCs were also discussed. This review presents recent applications of plasma technology in proton exchange membrane fuel cells across four key dimensions: cathodes, anodes, proton exchange membranes, and process enhancement, including the preparation and treatment of noble metal catalysts, non-noble metal catalysts, non-metal catalysts, perfluorinated sulfur membranes, partially perfluorinated membranes, and non-perfluorinated membranes.image