No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The addition of small molecule fluorosurfactants to perfluorosulfonate ionomers has been found to have a profound effect on the morphology and mechanical properties of solution processed membranes. Perfluorooctane sulfonates neutralized with both alkali metal and alkylammonium counterions have been incorporated into solution processed Nafion® membranes. Sodium neutralized fluorosurfactants were found to crystallize during membrane casting leading to the formation of a surface layer of crystalline material.
Tetramethylammonium neutralized surfactants behave in a similar fashion with crystallization of the surfactant occurring during casting. The use of large tetrabutylammonium counterions is found to prevent crystallization of the surfactant and create a highly plasticized membrane.