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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
A critical review on structural, electrical and electrochemical characteristics of proton conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors
Shilpi Verma, Dr. Markandey Singh
Abstract
Proton-conducting nanocomposite polymer
electrolyte membranes have attracted significant attention for applications in
proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid-state electrochemical devices.
This systematic review critically analyzes the structural, electrical, and
electrochemical characteristics of proton-conducting nanocomposite polymer
electrolytes reported between 2010 and 2024. A PRISMA-guided methodology was
employed to evaluate 87 peer-reviewed studies focusing on polymer–salt systems
incorporating nanoscale inorganic fillers such as ferrites and metal oxides.
Structural investigations consistently demonstrate that nanofiller
incorporation reduces polymer crystallinity and enhances amorphous phase
content, thereby facilitating proton transport. Electrical analyses indicate
that optimized salt concentration and controlled nanofiller loading can improve
room-temperature ionic conductivity from 10⁻⁷–10⁻⁵ S·cm⁻¹ in conventional
systems to values approaching 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹ under optimized conditions. Activation
energy reduction and interfacial polarization effects are frequently associated
with enhanced proton mobility. Electrochemical stability windows vary between
1.4 and 5.0 V depending on polymer host and filler chemistry, revealing
trade-offs between conductivity and stability. Comparative evaluation
highlights that conductivity enhancement strongly depends on amorphous phase
fraction, filler dispersion quality, and standardized measurement protocols.
This review establishes clear structure–property relationships and identifies
key research gaps, including the need for standardized reporting and long-term
durability assessment, to guide the rational design of high-performance
proton-conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes.
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Pages:44-52
How to cite this article:
Shilpi Verma, Dr. Markandey Singh "A critical review on structural, electrical and electrochemical characteristics of proton conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes". National Journal of Advanced Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 44-52
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