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Nafion N115/N117 Membrane FAQ
How to pre-treat Nafion N115/N117 membrane before use (electrolysis of water)?
1.Oxidation Cleaning: Immerse the membrane in a 5 wt.% H₂O₄ solution at 80°C for 1 hour to remove organic impurities.
2.Hot Water Rinse: Remove the membrane and rinse repeatedly with deionized water. Boil the membrane in hot water at 80°C for 1 hour to remove residual water.
3.Acid Conversion (Optional): Immerse the membrane in 1.0 M dilute sulfuric acid (HSO₄) at 80°C for 1 hour to convert the membrane to the H⁺ form.
4.Final Cleaning & Heat Treatment: Rinse with deionized water until neutral, then boil again in hot water at 80°C for 1 hour. Repeat 2-3 times.
Simplified Treatment Option: If conditions are limited, dilute acid activation (1.0 M HSO₄ at 80°C for 1 hour) is acceptable.
Nafion NR211/NR212 Pretreatment Recommendations (Fuel Cell Applications)
NR series films are solution-cast films with a thin, soft structure. They usually come with a protective liner (such as a transparent PET film or white paper backing). Be sure to peel off the protective film before use!
Step 1: Remove Surface Impurities
After cutting the membrane to the desired size, soak it in deionized water at 60-80°C for 30 minutes. This process helps dissolve residual solvent on the membrane surface and remove surface particles.
Step 2: Protonation Treatment
Transfer the membrane to a 3-5 wt.% dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or nitric acid (HNO3) solution and heat it at 70-80°C for 30 minutes to activate the sulfonic acid functional groups, converting the membrane to the H+ form and enhancing proton conductivity.
Step 3: Neutralization and Cleaning
After removing the membrane from the acid solution, rinse it repeatedly with deionized water until the pH of the wash solution is close to neutral (approximately 7). Boil it in deionized water at 80°C for an additional 30 minutes to completely remove any residual acid.
Note:
1.Use high-purity deionized water (>18 MΩ cm) during the treatment process.
2.Strong oxidants, such as H₂O₂, are not recommended for treating NR membranes to prevent structural degradation.
3.If the membrane has been opened but not used immediately, soak it in pure water after pretreatment and store in a sealed container at 4-8°C. Use within one week at the latest.
Is Nafion membrane suitable for hot pressing to prepare MEA?
| Model | Hot pressing temperature (°C) | Pressure (MPa) | Time (seconds) |
| NR211 | 120-135 | 3.0-5.0 | 120-180 |
| NR212 | 130-140 | 3.0-5.0 | 150-200 |
| N115 | 130-145 | 3.0-5.0 | 150-180 |
| N117 | 135-150 | 3.0-5.0 | 180-240 |
Summary: Applicable, but it is recommended to adjust the hot pressing parameters according to the membrane model to avoid membrane breakage or delamination
How long is the lifespan of Nafion membrane in electrolyzed water?
Typical service life: 2,000 to 10,000 hours.
Recommended operating temperature: 60-80°C.
Avoid contact with strong reducing and oxidizing agents.
Regularly inspect the film for signs of aging, such as discoloration, blistering, and delamination.
Can the membrane be reused?
It can be washed and reused, but the conductivity and mechanical properties will be reduced.
If the film becomes yellow or brittle, it should be replaced with a new one.
How should I store unused membranes?
It is recommended to store in a desiccator or sealed bag, away from light and moisture.
The activated membrane should be soaked in deionized water and refrigerated (4-8°C).
Do not freeze or expose to air for extended periods of time.