Nafion nanofiber membranes

K. M. Lee, J. Choi, R. Wycisk, P. N. Pintauro, P. T. Mather

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new type of proton conducting fuel cell membrane has been fabricated and evaluated via preliminary physical property determinations. The membrane is composed of a 3-D interconnected network of Nafion (perfluorosulfonic acid) nanofibers that have been embedded in an uncharged and inert polymer matrix. Nafion was successfully electrospun into fibers by adding to the spinning solution a low concentration (1 wt% relative to Nafion) of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide). Membranes were made with an average fiber diameter in the range of 161-730 nm, where the nanofiber mat occupied 60-80% of the membrane volume. The inert matrix polymer was UV-crosslinked Norland Optical Adhesive 63. The resulting membranes exhibited a high proton conductivity (0.06-0.08 S/cm at 25°C in water), low water swelling (12-23 wt% at 25°C), and improved mechanical properties, as compared to a recast homogeneous Nafion film.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationECS Transactions -Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 9
Pages1451-1458
Number of pages8
Edition1 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event9th Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Symposium (PEMFC 9) - 216th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society - Vienna, Austria
Duration: Oct 4 2009Oct 9 2009

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1 PART 2
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

Other9th Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Symposium (PEMFC 9) - 216th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period10/4/0910/9/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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