Conductive AFM Study to Differentiate between the Surface Ionic Conductivity of Nafion and Electrospun Membranes

Multi-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to differentiate between Nafion® and electrospun composite nanofiber membranes. The results of this experiment will guide the design of new class of proton exchange membranes (PEM). Characterizing the electrospun composite nanofiber membranes will allow us to identify properties that are ideal for the next generation PEM. Engineering the proton conducting membrane for a PEM fuel cell that allows protons and inhibits other species to cross is vital to its long-term operation. When species other than protons are allowed to cross a PEM, issues arise in the form of electrode flooding, adverse chemical reactions, and reduced fuel cell efficiency.