Nafion and Alternatives

The classical DuPont proton exchange electrolyte is Nafion. The formulation, given in Lovell and Page (1997) is 

Williams (2002), Chairman of E I Du Pont de Nemours, describes its new process (solution cast membrane technology) for manufacturing Nafion membranes aimed at PEFC/MEAs. With large production the membrane NR112 can fall to about 80 per m, and NRlll to about 45 per m. Details of the two types are given. 

Ballard itself, via Ballard Advanced Materials (Lovell and Page, 1997), has been generating a possible Nafion alternative, namely 

POLYMER ELECTROLYTE AND DIRECT METHANOL EUEL CELLS 

The chemical properties, given in Lovell and Page (1997) include solubility in sulphuric acid, and corrosion by benzene-sulphonic acid. Those latter are prima facie evidence that PEEK can be developed into a solid polymer electrolyte equivalent to Nafion 112 for the PEMEC, and Nafion 117 for the DMFC. 

---

Fig. 17.3 Stimulated view of the microstructures of Nafion, and alternative polymeric material, sulfonated PEEKK. (Reprinted with permission from [28]. Copyright 2001 Elsevier)...

---