Characterization of proton exchange materials for fuel cells by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract

The water-polymer interfacial area, which is reflected in the Porod region of small-angle scattering data, is an important parameter of different models of the Nafion fuel cell membrane. Therefore, we have compared published experimental data of Nafion with various structural models, in particular the parallel water-channel model. The surface-tovolume ratio extracted at intermediate hydration levels typical of fuel-cell conditions matches that of the parallel water-channel model with molecular corrugation. In addition, it is shown that for less than 3.5 water molecules per Nafion sidegroup, the interfacial area must increase strongly with hydration, contrary to the predictions of the polymer bundle model.

Zirconium phosphate based proton conducting membrane for DMFC application

“…The peak at ppm value of 1.07 was due to TMS used as standard component. Small peaks at ppm values of 2.49 and 3.43 were due to presence of protons attached to the P]O group forming POH group [14]. …”