Proton-Conducting Polymers: Key to Next-Generation Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers, Batteries, Actuators, and Sensors

The author summarized recent diverse applications and advancements for proton-conducting polymers since 2018, emphasizing their importance in various technological areas. These polymers are integral to fuel cells, water electrolysis, energy storage systems, actuators, and sensors, offering high proton conductivity, chemical stability, and adaptability. The review elucidated aspects of specific applications, highlighting their roles in optimizing fuel cell efficiency and enhancing water electrolysis for hydrogen production, improving energy storage in supercapacitors and batteries, and explaining their emerging use in smart materials and robotics. Additionally, the paper presented discussion of the latest research trends, particularly from environmental and cost perspectives, specifically addressing the chemical modification of these polymers to enhance their functionality and to broaden their scope of application. This review examined recent developments in proton-conducting polymers, highlighting their effects on development of fuel cells, water electrolysis, energy storage, actuators, and sensors. These polymers, with notable high proton conductivity and stability, are crucially important for advancing fuel cell efficiency, hydrogen production, and energy storage technologies, offering new possibilities for smart materials and robotics. image