This review discusses the progress of research on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and its composite membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). SPEEK is a promising material for replacing traditional perfluorosulfonic acid membranes due to its excellent thermal stability, mechanical property, and tunable proton conductivity. By adjusting the degree of sulfonation (DS) of SPEEK, the hydrophilicity and proton conductivity of the membrane can be controlled, while also balancing its mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability. Researchers have developed various composite membranes by combining SPEEK with a range of organic and inorganic materials, such as polybenzimidazole (PBI), fluoropolymers, and silica, to enhance the mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability of the membranes, while reducing fuel permeability and improving the overall performance of the fuel cell. Despite the significant potential of SPEEK and its composite membranes in PEMFCs, there are still challenges and room for improvement, including proton conductivity, chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact assessments.
Polymer ionogel (PIG) is a new type of flexible, stretchable, and ion‐conductive material, which generally consists of two components (polymer matrix materials and ionic liquids/deep eutectic solvents). More and more attention has been received owing to its excellent properties, such as nonvolatility, good ionic conductivity, excellent thermal stability, high electrochemical stability, and transparency. In this review, the latest research and developments of PIGs are comprehensively reviewed according to different polymer matrices. Particularly, the development of novel structural designs, preparation methods, basic properties, and their advantages are respectively summarized. Furthermore, the typical applications of PIGs in flexible ionic skin, flexible electrochromic devices, flexible actuators, and flexible power supplies are reviewed. The novel working mechanism, device structure design strategies, and the unique functions of the PIG‐based flexible ionic devices are briefly introduced. Finally, the perspectives on the current challenges and future directions of PIGs and their application are discussed.