[P2-60] Effect of water molecules on polymer chain motion in dense chain ensembles of nafion membrane
Because of the high power density, high efficiency, fast start-up, and zero emission at the point of use, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the most promising candidates for replacing internal combustion engines in automobiles, and are also being developed for portable and distributed stationary power generation applications.
However, the life of PEMFCs is currently limited by the mechanical endurance of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). The failure of PEM is believed to be the result of a combined chemical and mechanical effect acting together. Recently, it is found that cyclic hydration of the membrane during the operation cycles (start/shut down) of the fuel cell may cause mechanical degradation of the membrane.
Therefore, in this paper, to investigate such mechanical degradation of the membrane subjected to fuel cell cycles, we perform a series of molecular dynamic simulations for the membrane made from the sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene copolymer with the trade name Nafion. The effect of the water molecules on the polymer chain motion in dense chain ensembles of nafion membrane is to be clarified.
However, the life of PEMFCs is currently limited by the mechanical endurance of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). The failure of PEM is believed to be the result of a combined chemical and mechanical effect acting together. Recently, it is found that cyclic hydration of the membrane during the operation cycles (start/shut down) of the fuel cell may cause mechanical degradation of the membrane.
Therefore, in this paper, to investigate such mechanical degradation of the membrane subjected to fuel cell cycles, we perform a series of molecular dynamic simulations for the membrane made from the sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene copolymer with the trade name Nafion. The effect of the water molecules on the polymer chain motion in dense chain ensembles of nafion membrane is to be clarified.