Hybrid multi-criteria framework for membrane electrode assembly selection

The rapid development of hydrogen-based energy systems highlights the critical need for systematic and robust decision frameworks in the selection of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study addresses this gap by proposing a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach that combines expert input and advanced fuzzy logic for sustainable material selection. Evaluation criteria were identified through both expert recommendations and an extensive review of the environmental and technical literature. The Best Worst Method (BWM) was used to elicit and optimize expert judgments into subjective criteria weights. At the same time, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) under Fermatean fuzzy logic was employed to rank alternative MEAs. Among the evaluated alternatives, Nafion 117-CE achieved the highest overall performance score of 0.894, followed by Nafion 212 with 0.885, indicating their superiority in both technical and environmental dimensions. In terms of criteria importance, proton conductivity received the highest normalized weight of 0.189, followed by ion exchange capacity (0.122) and moisture content (0.075). The findings provide environmental engineers and researchers with a structured decision-making methodology for cleaner energy solutions and highlight the value of integrating multi-criteria and fuzzy techniques in environmental technology assessments. Future research should incorporate experimental validation and broadened expert engagement to further strengthen the practical applicability of the framework.