Polymer electrolytes for a hydrogen economy

摘要

Polymer electrolytes find extensive application in devices that form the basis of the hydrogen economy such as fuel cells and electrolysers. This editorial intends to outline the status of the research carried out in this field as of the 12th International Symposium on Polymer Electrolytes and discuss the relevance of polymer electrolytes in the hydrogen economy. The events of recent years have made the availability of inexpensive and accessible energy a world-wide concern. Since the turn of the 21st century, crude oil prices have experienced between a two and a seven-fold increase [1] resulting in increased attention directed towards alternative and renewable energy sources. One avenue of research is focused on the production, storage and consumption of energy derived from hydrogen, i.e. the development of a "hydrogen-based economy".