My Photos

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Synthesis of NAFION precursor monomer (blue box with vinyl ether on one end, -SO2F precursor functional group on the other). Copolymerization with 6 moles of CF2=CF2 (TFE).

Electric current is carried through the NAFION* membrane by Na+ ions. At the cathode, water is split into OH- ions (they combine with Na+ -> NaOH) and hydrogen by the addition of electrons. At the anode, Cl- ions are discharged -> chlorine.

Exploded view of a PEM fuel cell using a NAFION membrane as the electrolyte (same function as the sulfuric acid in a car battery : Allows flow of H+ ions, but not electrons). Electrons travel through the external circuit providing power.

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