Nano-scale investigation of morphologies in polymer electrolyte/PVDF blend membranes

James T. Goldbach, Karren L. More, Scott R. Gaboury, Michel Foure, David A. Mountz, Amy L. Manheim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is a technology integral to the overall transition from a petroleum-based economy to a renewable resource/hydrogen based economy. At the heart of this essential device is a highly specialized polymer membrane that has been tailored to have high proton conductivity, while maintaining low permeability to the fuel gases and low electrical conductivity. During extended operation in a fuel cell environment, degradation of the membrane can occur (1), contributing to the ultimate failure of the PEM fuel cell. The morphologies of a series of novel polymer electrolyte/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blend membranes have been evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), both before and after incorporation of the membrane into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and following electrochemical aging of the MEA in a fuel cell. In particular, nanometer-scale changes to the polymer structure and changes in spatial distributions of fluorine, sulfur, and other elements were analyzed. The effect of microstructural and microchemical observations has been correlated to a decline in fuel cell performance with time.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2006 AIChE Spring National Meeting
StatePublished - 2006
Event2006 AIChE Spring National Meeting - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: Apr 23 2006Apr 27 2006

Publication series

NameAIChE Annual Meeting, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference2006 AIChE Spring National Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period04/23/0604/27/06

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