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Neutron and X‐ray Scattering: Suitable Tools for Studying Ionomer Membranes
Author(s) -
Gebel G.,
Diat O.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fuel cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1615-6854
pISSN - 1615-6846
DOI - 10.1002/fuce.200400080
Subject(s) - ionomer , membrane , small angle x ray scattering , nafion , neutron scattering , small angle neutron scattering , materials science , scattering , neutron , polymer , swelling , particle (ecology) , chemical engineering , nuclear physics , composite material , chemistry , optics , physics , engineering , biochemistry , oceanography , electrode , electrochemistry , copolymer , geology
Neutrons and x‐rays were extensively used to study the microstructure of the polymeric membranes for fuel cells. The small‐angle x‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS resp.) data for Nafion® and alternative membranes present specific features. The different analyses and proposed models to interpret these data are reviewed. A special emphasis is devoted to the recent elongated polymer particle model which appears as the most efficient model for Nafion® to interpret not only the numerous scattering data but also the transport swelling and mechanical properties. Neutrons can also be used to study the water management in situ in an operating fuel cell either to visualise the water accumulation in the gas distributors or to determine the water concentration profiles through the membrane and during operation.