Comparison of two accelerated Nafion (TM) degradation experiments

This work describes a systematic investigation of the degradation of Nafion (TM) 112 membranes using a Fenton's accelerated aging experiment. Two variations of the experiment were compared: a solution method where iron ions and peroxide exist together in solution prior to the addition of Nafion (TM), and an exchange method where Nafion (TM) in the Fe2+ form is exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Accelerated aging experiments were conducted over 3-5 days. Weight loss, fluoride ion release, ion exchange capacity, intrinsic viscosity, morphological characteristics, and dimensional changes were measured. FTIR spectra, mechanical properties and membrane barrier properties were also investigated. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.