| Abstract Scope |
NAFION is a synthetic membrane that completes the electrochemical reaction within a fuel cell. Efficient fuel cells require a highly proton conductive, electronically insulating membrane. My hypothesis: treating NAFION samples under climate conditions alters conductivity. The Sol Gel process was used to coat NAFION samples with solutions containing four different ions: Ph, Ti, Mo, and V. Resistivity was measured under various conditions: humidity, radiation, hot and cold temperatures. Activation Energy was measured by analyzing the relationship between change of temperature. UV radiation affected all samples except for those with Mo. Weight loss of NAFION Samples with time in a humid environment was determined. The strongest influence on the resistivity was temperature. The lowest resistivity values were measured in samples with P especially under humid conditions. This suggests that membranes with Phosphorus in a humid environment and no radiation would be the best combination for improving the properties of NAFION membranes. |