Solid polyelectrolyte (SPE) membranes with textured surface

Perfluorinated cation-exchange (Nation-like) flat-sheet membranes were platinised using the electroless chemical deposition method. The morphology of the platinum micro-particles (platinum electrocatalyst) deposited onto the membranes was investigated by means of atomic force and scanning electron microscopy (AFM and SEM), as well as optical microscopy. The platinum electrocatalyst was removed from the membranes using aqua regia. The membrane surface, which had been subjected to platinisation, was studied by means of microscopy again. It was found that the membrane surface became textured after the exposure to electroless platinisation. Characterisation of the textured surface by means of various microscopic techniques was carried out. The results were compared with those obtained for original platinised membrane surfaces. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.