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@article{180163,
        author = {Arun Kum Gupta and Vinay Kumar Sachan},
        title = {The characteristics and applications of Nafion membranes -An overview},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {245-250},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=180163},
        abstract = {Nafion 
membranes, 
composed 
of 
perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers, represent a 
cornerstone material in electrochemical and energy 
conversion technologies due to their exceptional proton 
conductivity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. 
Their unique structure, featuring a hydrophobic 
polytetrafluoroethylene 
(PTFE) 
backbone and 
hydrophilic sulfonic acid side chains, facilitates efficient 
proton transport under hydrated conditions. Nafion is 
extensively employed in diverse applications such as 
proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), 
electrolysis systems, chemical sensors, desalination 
units, batteries, and catalytic processes. Various Nafion 
membrane types have been developed to meet specific 
operational demands, including Nafion 117 (183 µm) 
for high-durability applications, Nafion 112 (50 µm) for 
reduced resistance, and Nafion XL for high
temperature and low-humidity environments. Other 
variants like Nafion 211, Nafion D Series, and Nafion 
1100 Series offer flexibility in mechanical strength, 
thickness, and operational stability. Moreover, 
composite and organic-hybrid Nafion membranes have 
been engineered to enhance properties such as 
mechanical strength, gas impermeability, and water 
retention. Nafion membranes exhibit key physical 
characteristics such as high ionic conductivity, 
hydration sensitivity, low gas permeability, and 
mechanical robustness, along with chemical traits like 
resistance to oxidation, acid stability, and strong 
hydrophilicity. These characteristics make Nafion an 
indispensable material in the development of advanced 
electrochemical devices, with ongoing innovations 
focused on improving efficiency, durability, and 
performance under varied environmental conditions.},
        keywords = {Nafion membrane, Perfluorosulfonic acid  (PFSA), Proton conductivity, Fuel cell, Electrochemical  membrane, Composite membrane, Nafion 117},
        month = {May},
        }