A proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) is a semipermeable membrane generally made from ionomers and designed to conduct protons while being impermeable to gases such as oxygen or hydrogen.[1] This is their essential function when incorporated into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell or of a proton exchange membrane electrolyser : separation of reactants and transport of protons.
PEMs can be made from either pure polymer membranes or from composite membranes where other materials are embedded in a polymer matrix. One of the most common and commercially available PEM materials is Nafion, a DuPont product. [2] While Nafion is an ionomer with a perfluorinated backbone like Teflon,[3] there are many other structural motifs used to make ionomers for proton exchange membranes. Many use polyaromatic polymers while others use partially fluorinated polymers.
Proton exchange membranes are primarily characterized by proton conductivity (σ), methanol permeability (P), and thermal stability.[4]
Notes
- ^ "Alternative electrochemical systems for ozonation of water". NASA Tech Briefs. 2003-07. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3957/is_200307/ai_n9239603. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
- ^ US patent 5266421, "US Patent 5266421 - Enhanced membrane-electrode interface", granted 2008-11-30 , assigned to Hughes Aircraft
- ^ Gabriel Gache (2007-12-17). "New Proton Exchange Membrane Developed - Nafion promises inexpensive fuel-cells". Softpedia. http://news.softpedia.com/news/New-Proton-Exchange-Membrane-Developed-74083.shtml. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
- ^ Nakhiah Goulbourne. "Research Topics for Materials and Processes for PEM Fuel Cells REU for 2008". Virginia Tech. http://www.mii.vt.edu/SURP/research/fcm.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
See also
- Electrolysis of water
- Alkali anion exchange membrane
- Artificial membrane
- Dry electrolyte
- Dynamic mechanical analysis
- Electroosmotic pump
- Roll-to-roll
External links
- Dry solid polymer electrolyte battery.
- Voltaflex
- EC-supported STREP program on high pressure PEM water electrolysis
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