The effect of ultrasound on Nafion® Polymer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a limiting parameter (time, frequency, power) in ultrasonic treatment that ensures Nafion®’s functionality in the PEMFC. Sonication of Nafion® solutions over various periods of times revealed a steady decrease in viscosity however, at a minimum irradiation time and a fixed ultrasonic frequency an increase in the viscosity of Nafion® polymer was observed. This was attributed to the fact that scission of polymer bonds caused by ultrasound (i.e. depolymerisation) supplies new chain carriers for polymerisation. Under carefully chosen conditions, it was possible to initiate polymerization reactions using ultrasound. \n \nVarious analytical methods were used such as Rheology to measure viscosity, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Spectroscopic method GC MS to elucidate any changes in Nafion® structure, chemical and physical properties following ultrasound irradiation. \n
Author: Haroon Momand
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W121850892