Resolve the pore structure and dynamics of Nafion 117: application of high resolution 7Li solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Unprecedented high resolution 7Li solid state NMR spectra establish a relationship between lithium chemical shift and the size of the nanopores in Nafion, the state-of-the-art proton exchange membrane widely used in fuel cells and lithium batteries. This information provides the most direct and unambiguous characterization of the nanopores in Nafion, offers exceptional insights into the performance of this proton exchange membrane (PEM) and points out approaches to improving it, or finding a substitute material, in the future.