The proton exchange membrane fuel
cell (PEMFC) converts chemical
energy into electrical energy via electrochemical reaction between
hydrogen and oxygen, with heat and water as byproducts. When a PEMFC
is engineered with polymer electrolyte membrane, e.g., Nafion and
polybenzimidazole (PBI), it helps to enhance the performance of the
fuel cell under monitored environmental conditions, i.e., high proton
conductivity, improved electrode kinetics, and tailoring of properties,
along with low tolerance for carbon monoxide. Recently discovered “graphene”
has enticed the scientific community, because of its exceptional properties.
As per the literature, PEMFCs engineered with graphene can yield high
power density, along with 38% enhanced current density, and 257% improved
ionic conductivity. In this context, the present review gives the
state-of-the-art and progress on polymer electrolyte membranes engineered
using graphene and graphene oxide, as well as their synthesis routes
and the influence on the performance of PEMFCs.