Critical issues and future prospects for solid polymer fuel cells

A review of the state-of-the-art of solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) development is given. The international activities focus on cell performance and stack design, materials research and gas processing, depending on the application. The fastest progress is being made with respect to fuel cell development for transportation, but the specific advantages of SPFC make the system interesting for residential power supply systems, for on-site power production and also for small, portable power supplies.