Solution-cast Nafion® ionomer membranes: preparation and characterization

Abstract Perfluorosulfonate ionomer dispersions in three different solvents (ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF)) were used to prepare solution-cast membranes. The dispersions were obtained by dissolution of Nafion® 112 membranes in a reactor using a water–ethanol solution. Measurements of water uptake and solubility of the cast membranes were conducted. Conductivities were measured directly on carbon paper/membrane/carbon paper assemblies fully immersed in deionized water and were registered by means of impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature. Results show that all cast samples have lower chemical stability than commercial membranes. Moreover, only membranes cast from dimethylformamide-based dispersions gave conductivity performance comparable to those of Nafion® 112 and 115. Casting process from dispersion obtained using Nafion® rejects gave better results than the process utilizing commercial dispersion.

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