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Quantitative Analysis of Ionic Channel Network Variation in Nafion Under Continuous Annealing Using Current-Sensing

Osung Kwon1, Byungrak Son2

  • 1Faculty of Science, Tabula Rasa College, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea.

Polymers
|May 27, 2026
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Summary

Annealing Nafion 212 proton exchange membranes (PEMs) initially improves ionic channel density for better proton conductivity. However, prolonged annealing leads to network degradation, impacting PEM performance in fuel cells.

Keywords:
current-sensing atomic force microscopyionic channel networknumerical approximation methodproton exchange membraneproton exchange membrane fuel cell

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Electrochemistry
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are critical components in PEM fuel cells, facilitating proton transport through a hydrated ionic channel network.
  • Annealing is a pretreatment method used to modify and potentially enhance the structure and performance of PEMs by reconstructing ionic channels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of the ionic channel network in Nafion 212 under continuous annealing at 90 °C.
  • To quantitatively assess the relationship between annealing duration, nanoscale structural changes, and proton transport efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized current-sensing atomic force microscopy (CSAFM) to create a nanoscale PEM fuel cell with a Pt-coated tip and surface.
  • Analyzed topography and surface roughness to observe geometrical changes induced by annealing.
  • Quantified ionic channel network density using the number of protons moving through the ionic channel network (NPMI), derived from CSAFM and electrodynamics.

Main Results:

  • Annealing up to 60 hours led to a linear increase in NPMI (1 × 10⁴ h⁻¹), indicating enhanced ionic channel formation and improved proton transport.
  • Beyond 60 hours, NPMI decreased linearly (1.9 × 10⁵ h⁻¹), signifying progressive degradation of the ionic channel network.
  • CSAFM imaging and NPMI analysis revealed a direct correlation between ionic channel density and proton conductivity.

Conclusions:

  • The study establishes NPMI as a reliable metric for evaluating ionic channel network density in PEMs.
  • Continuous annealing at 90 °C initially reconstructs ionic channels in Nafion 212, but prolonged exposure causes detrimental network degradation.
  • Findings provide crucial insights into optimizing thermal treatment strategies for enhancing PEM performance and longevity in fuel cells.