Design of a humidity controlled sample stage for simultaneous conductivity and synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements

We report on the design and operation of a novel sample stage, used to simultaneously measure X-ray scattering profiles and conductivity of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) surrounded by humid air as a function of temperature and relative humidity. We present data obtained at the Advanced Light Source and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. We demonstrate precise humidity control and accurate determination of morphology and conductivity over a wide range of temperatures. The sample stage is used to study structure-property relationships of a semi-crystalline block copolymer PEM, sulfonated polystyrene-block-polyethylene. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.