Polyaniline-based nanocomposites for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) - A Recent Review

[Display omitted] •The recent advancements of PANI based nanocomposites in DMFCs is overviewed.•Polyaniline based electrocatalyst possess superior electrochemical performance in DMFCs.•PANIs π-electron combined by bonds or aromatic rings revel electronic properties.•Superior prominence placed on PANIs binary, ternary and multicomponent composition.•Underlying mechanisms for superior activity of PANI-based nanocomposites in DMFC are reviewed. This review delivers a summary of the recent advances in polyaniline based electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cell applications. Today’s world is urging for global energy due to the fossil fuel diminution and ecological contamination which is overthrown by the direct methanol fuel cell. Amongst the conducting polymers, polyaniline has a significant role in the direct methanol fuel cell. Due to the high conductivity, unique redox properties, high flexibility, better solubility, reasonable stability, ease synthesis, and low cost. The nanocomposite of polyaniline with other electrochemically active materials such as metallic compounds and carbonaceous materials as well as nitrogen-doped carbon materials derived from PANI based nanocomposite were in detailly discussed in this review.