Caracterização de membrana nafion usando espectroscopia fotoacústica: monitoramento da hidratação

Abstract

Nafion membranes are films developed by DuPont, a perfluorosulfonic acid/polytetrafluoroethylene copolymer. These membranes are hydrophilic and preferably water is absorbed into the clusters due to the hydrophobic character of fluorocarbon matrix. The sulfonic acid groups are chemically active and fixed within the teflon polymer matrix. Thus, this proton exchange membrane is chemically resistant and durable, and has the best performance for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The characterization of nafion by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy aimed to the understanding of this material due to relevance and potential to develop a new energy matrix. The optical absorption spectrum was determined for wavelengths of 200-2600 nm. The procedure was to measure the samples at different hydration times. Using the Phase-Resolved Photoacoustic method, it was possible to separate the contribution of OH, of C = O and of methylene group. The phase lag as a water function was compared with the thermal diffusivity measurements as a function of water content. Behaviors found suggested structural changes induced by hydration of the membrane. The thermal analysis, Thermogravimetry Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, also revealed that the membrane, when in water contact, has their modified structure. In addition, to the characterization of membrane were applied techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Gun, Energy Dispersive XRay Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction.