A Recent Comprehensive Review of Fuel Cells: History, Types, and Applications

Abstract

This review discusses the history, fundamentals, and applications of different fuel cell technologies, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), alkaline fuel cells (AFCs), and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Recent advances in fuel cell technologies have led to potential applications in aerospace, transportation, and portable and stationary power generation due to high efficiency and low emissions. Fuel cell types are also compared based on efficiency, operating temperature, lifetime, energy/power density, and cost. It was noticed that PEMFCs have the highest mass power density, reaching 1,000 W/kg compared to less than 100 W/kg for SOFCs, which makes them suitable for portable applications such as aircraft. PEMFCs and AFCs are suitable for low‐temperature applications and are highly efficient. SOFCs and MCFCs are better for high‐temperature operations. SOFCs are robust and suitable for high‐power demands, while MCFCs are advantageous for high‐power output. Hydrogen fuel cells promise to decarbonize transportation and aviation sectors with the advantages of lower weight, compactness, and quick startup times. However, challenges remain around renewable hydrogen production/infrastructure and aircraft integration, besides hydrogen storage, water management inside fuel cells, and operational robustness under varying pressures. Generally, for all fuel cell types, more focus should be given to enhancing the stability and efficiency of fuel cell materials and reducing their cost.