Positron annihilation spectroscopy studies of proton exchange membranes used in fuel cells

In the recent years, fuel cells became more than a promise, getting closer to a technological reality. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) used as electrolyte is a valuable solution, and Nafion® seems to be the best competitor. This paper reports a positron annihilation spectroscopy study of Nafion® behavior employed as a proton exchange membrane in a working fuel cell. A continuous survey of the fuel cell behavior using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and coincidence Doppler broadening spectroscopy was conducted over a 50‐day period, and the results of these measurements are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.