Positron annihilation spectroscopy studies of proton exchange membranes used in fuel cells

Abstract

In the recent years, fuel cells became more than a promise, getting closer to a technological reality. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) used as electrolyte is a valuable solution, and Nafion W seems to be the best competitor. This paper reports a positron annihilation spectroscopy study of Nafion W behavior employed as a proton exchange membrane in a working fuel cell. A continuous survey of the fuel cell behavior using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and coincidence Doppler broadening spectroscopy was conducted over a 50-day period, and the results of these measurements are presented and discussed.

Positron annihilation spectroscopy studies of implanted polymer membranes

“…After a previous work on polymeric membranes used in fuel cells, 1 we started to study the high fluence implantation of superficial metallic ions in polymer membranes. Two different polymer membranes, polyethylene and Nafion, were subjected to investigation.…”