The molecular structure of Nafion, a mostly inert fluorocarbon polymer with interspersed sulfonic acid groups, is directly responsible for its many interesting applications which include: fuel cell membranes; coatings for ion selective electrodes; electrochemical processes; acid-promoted catalysis; and pervaporative separations. Additionally, Nafion is sometimes used by the Life Support Systems Division of NASA as a material to dry air. To this end, Nafion membranes work very well, but are susceptible to poisoning by volatile (airborne) amines, such as ammonia, that may be produced in the enclosed environments of a manned spaced mission. Our research group has recently determined the saturation point of a variety of Nafion membrane thicknesses using ammonium chloride, and our progress toward the development of a standard curve to determine the water adsorption and transport capabilities of poisoned membranes will be presented.

Determination of the water adsorption capabilities of a variety of Nafion membranes saturated with ammonium chloride

2019 Spring National Meeting

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