Temperature-and humidity-controlled SAXS analysis of proton-conductive ionomer membranes for fuel cells

We report herein temperature-and humidity-controlled small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses of proton-conductive ionomer membranes. The morphological changes of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers (Nafion and Aquivion) and sulfonated aromatic block copolymers (SPE-bl-1 and SPK-bl-1) were investigated and compared under conditions relevant to fuel cell operation. For the perfluorinated ionomer membranes, water molecules were preferentially incorporated into ionic clusters, resulting in phase separation and formation of ion channels. In contrast, for the aromatic ionomer membranes, wetting led to randomization of the ionic clusters. The results describe the differences in the proton-conducting behavior between the fluorinated and nonfluorinated ionomer membranes, and their dependence on the humidity. Scanning channels: The morphological changes in perfluorosulfonic acid polymers and sulfonated aromatic block copolymers are investigated by using a newly designed temperature-and humidity-controlled small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique. For the perfluorinated ionomers, water molecules are preferentially incorporated into ionic clusters, forming ion channels. In contrast, for the aromatic ionomers, wetting leads to randomization of the ionic clusters.