A comprehensive study on the ionomer properties of PFSA membranes with confocal Raman microscopy

Maier M, Abbas D, Komma M, Solihul Mu'min M, Thiele S, Böhm T (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Journal of Membrane Science Elsevier

Book Volume: 669

Article Number: 121244

DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121244

Abstract

The proton exchange membrane is the heart of many electrochemical energy systems, and their performance and longevity depend on a careful selection and processing of membrane materials. In this work, we use confocal Raman microscopy to investigate application-relevant properties of perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes. Raman spectra of Nafion, Aquivion, and 3M Ionomer at different equivalent weights show differences in the spectral area and position of various Raman bands but reveal a clear trend of band intensities versus equivalent weight. Characteristics of these ionomers such as swelling and water uptake were determined with through-plane imaging. The technique offers advantages over conventional measurements, such as contact-free and non-destructive data acquisition. Calibration curves for the equivalent weight were derived for the different PFSAs with excellent linear fits that allow a quantification of the ionizable group content. The high spatial resolution of confocal Raman microscopy of less than 2 μm enables the local evaluation of all these ionomer properties. Furthermore, Raman imaging was employed to characterize composite membranes, which shows that it can resolve individual phases and features in multi-layered membranes. This study provides a comprehensive summary of confocal Raman microscopy as a powerful tool for the analysis of ionomer and membrane properties.

Authors with CRIS profile

Maximilian Maier Professur für Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering (HIERN) Dunia Abbas Professur für Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering (HIERN) Miriam Komma Professur für Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering (HIERN) Muhammad Solihul Mu'min Professur für Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering (HIERN) Simon Thiele Professur für Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering (HIERN)

Involved external institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Maier, M., Abbas, D., Komma, M., Solihul Mu'min, M., Thiele, S., & Böhm, T. (2023). A comprehensive study on the ionomer properties of PFSA membranes with confocal Raman microscopy. Journal of Membrane Science, 669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121244

MLA:

Maier, Maximilian, et al. "A comprehensive study on the ionomer properties of PFSA membranes with confocal Raman microscopy." Journal of Membrane Science 669 (2023).

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