Proton movement through polymers

On the other hand, the vehicular mechanism involves the movement of the hydrated proton aggregate. Here, in response to the electrochemical difference, hydrated proton (H30 ) diffuses through the aqueous medium [244,245]. A schematic representation of the vehicular mechanism is presented in Fig. 3.17. In the vehicular mechanism, hydrated protons carry one or more molecules of water (H+[H20] ) through the membrane and are transferred with them as a result of electro-osmohc drag. The major condition for proton transport through the vehicular mechanism is the existence of free volumes within the polymer matrix of a PEM, which allow the passage of hydrated protons through the membrane. 

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