Recent advances in the development of SPEEK composite membrane strategies for PEM water electrolysis

Turan R., KOCA A., AYDIN Y. A.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cilt.229, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 229
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154653
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Composite membrane, Proton conductivity, SPEEK based membrane, Water electrolysis
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The growing demand for sustainable hydrogen production has accelerated the development of high-performance proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWE). Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional perfluorophosphonic acid (PFSA) membranes due to its tunable proton conductivity, thermal and chemical stability, and low cost. However, excessive water uptake, mechanical degradation, and oxidative instability at high sulfonation degrees (DS) limit practical applications. This review summarizes developments in the design and modification of SPEEK based composite membranes for PEMWEs. Strategies such as polymer blending, incorporation of inorganic fillers (SiO2, TiO2, CeO2, MXene, ZrP), crosslinking, and incorporation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and ionic liquids (ILs) are critically discussed. This study evaluates their effects on proton transport, dimensional stability, oxidative resistance, and long-term durability. Furthermore, the roles of sulfonation degree, proton transport mechanisms, and filler-matrix interactions in enhancing membrane performance for durable and cost-effective hydrogen production are highlighted.