Insight into aligned nanofibers improving fuel cell performances: strategies, rationalities, and opportunities

Abstract

Nanofibers are advanced materials widely used in fuel cell applications owing to their superior characteristics of large surface area and porosity. Aligned nanofibers, a next-level development in nanofibers, is a promising approach for implementation in fuel cell applications, considering that they enhance specific properties compared to randomly orientated structures. This review presents the current strategies for fabricating aligned nanofibers and explores various methods to obtain targeted assemblies. These methods include increasing the speed of the rotating collector, applying multiple electric fields, and using engineering-defined collectors, for instance, wiring drums, patterned strips, frame shapes, rotating discs, rotating jets, and guide column arrays. Moreover, the rationality behind why this structure can improve fuel cell performance is elaborated, which includes enhanced conductivity, improved mass transport, structural durability, and reduced water flooding. The prospects and challenges of implementing aligned nanofibers in fuel cells are also included.