PEM Fuel Cells for Transport Applications: State of the Art and Challenges

In order to offer a true alternative to the internal combustion engine, whether fuelled with today's fossil fuels or with first and second generation biofuels, the fuel cell technology needs to mature to such a level that it meets consumer expectations with respect to vehicle performance, driving range and refueling time, while at the same time vehicle efficiency and well to tank emissions are such that overall emissions can be diminished drastically. The present paper addresses the present state of the art of fuel cell technology (PEMFC - proton exchange membrane fuel cells) for transportation, and the materials issues for both the short term and the long term that need to be addressed to fulfill the expectations.