Effect of Different Temperatures on the Dissolution of Selected Ionomer Membranes Using a Single Solvent: Structural, Morphological, and Electrochemical Studies

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In the pursuit of cleaner energy systems, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) continue to gain traction for their efficiency and near-zero emissions. The physicochemical stability of ionomer membranes under various operating conditions has a significant impact on the longevity of PEMFCs. This work examines how temperature affects the way some ionomer membranes dissolve, that is, Nafion N-115, FS-930, and F-14100, using a single solvent. The membranes were dissolved in a solvent, methanol, and subjected to controlled temperature variations to evaluate their solubility, stability, and morphological changes. Characterization was performed using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) to assess structural, chemical, and surface property changes. Additional electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), was conducted to determine ionic conductivity and membrane resistance at different temperatures. The results revealed that increasing the temperature significantly influenced the dissolution rate and structural integrity of the membranes, with each ionomer exhibiting distinct thermal and solvent interactions. Among the studied membranes, diffractive crystallinity, surface morphology, and electrochemical behavior were observed, indicating that both the temperature and solvent polarity play critical roles in determining membrane performance. These roles determine membrane performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the thermal- and solvent-induced dissolution mechanisms of ionomer membranes, which are essential for optimizing membrane processing and enhancing the efficiency of PEMFC systems.