Fuel Cell Membrane Characterization - XPS

Nafion based fuel cell membranes are multilayer structures with a permeation membrane and two thin layers of noble metal in a polymer matrix acting as the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell. The cross-sectional chemical analysis of these membranes is useful for studying mechanisms that impact lifetime and performance of the fuel cell. Shown below are XPS images from an aged fuel cell membrane that indicate the presence of fluorocarbon degradation products in the anode and cathode regions.