Comparison of two accelerated Nafion™ degradation experiments

This work describes a systematic investigation of the degradation of Nafion™ 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™, and an exchange method where Nafion™ 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.