title: Graphene oxide based nanohybrid proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications: An overview.
abstract: In the context of many applications, such as polymer composites, energy-related materials, sensors, 'paper'-like materials, field-effect transistors (FET), and biomedical applications, chemically modified graphene was broadly studied during the last decade, due to its excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The presence of reactive oxygen functional groups in the grapheme oxide (GO) responsible for chemical functionalization makes it a good candidate for diversified applications. The main objectives for developing a GO based nanohybrid proton exchange membrane (PEM) include: improved self-humidification (water retention ability), reduced fuel crossover (electro-osmotic drag), improved stabilities (mechanical, thermal, and chemical), enhanced proton conductivity, and processability for the preparation of membrane-electrode assembly. Research carried on this topic may be divided into protocols for covalent grafting of functional groups on GO matrix, preparation of free-standing PEM or choice of suitable polymer matrix, covalent or hydrogen bonding between GO and polymer matrix etc. Herein, we present a brief literature survey on GO based nano-hybrid PEM for fuel cell applications. Different protocols were adopted to produce functionalized GO based materials and prepare their free-standing film or disperse these materials in various polymer matrices with suitable interactions. This review article critically discussed the suitability of these PEMs for fuel cell applications in terms of the dependency of the intrinsic properties of nanohybrid PEMs. Potential applications of these nanohybrid PEMs, and current challenges are also provided along with future guidelines for developing GO based nanohybrid PEMs as promising materials for fuel cell applications.
authors.affiliation: Electro-Membrane Processes Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Ravi P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.affiliation: Electro-Membrane Processes Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Geetanjali
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shukla
authors.affiliation: Electro-Membrane Processes Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Murli
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manohar
authors.affiliation: Electro-Membrane Processes Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat, India. Electronic address: vkshahi@csmcri.org.
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shahi
keywords: Fuel cell; Graphene oxide; Ion-exchange membrane; Nanohybrid proton exchange membrane