MATERIALS RESEARCH ASPECTS OF ORGANIC-SOLID PROTON CONDUCTORS

Proton exchange membranes were synthesized by simultaneous radiation grafting of styrene onto Teflon-FEP films and subsequent sulfonation. Grafted films and sulfonated membranes were characterized ex situ, and in situ in H2/O2 fuel cells, to evaluate their best properties necessary for performance in these cells. Membranes show specific resistivities in the range 2-5 OMEGA cm (20-degrees-C), which are interesting values for this application. Tests in fuel cells indicate that the separator properties towards gas permeability and the surface properties have to be improved.