Modification and characterization of thin polymer films for electrochemical applications

Proton-conducting polymer membranes are utilized as the solid electrolyte in low temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC), which are efficient energy converters. We have selected the process of radiation grafting and subsequent sulfonation to prepare novel membranes because of its feasibility as a low cost production method. Investigations of the two first preparations steps, i.e., irradiation and grafting, lead to insight concerning the optimization of these two steps and the dependence of the final membrane properties on the various preparation parameters.