Nafion 117 Proton Exchange Membrane

Overview

Nafion 117 is the classic thick PFSA membrane (≈183 µm) widely used in research fuel cells, electrolysers and electrochemical reactors where durability and gas separation are more critical than minimum resistance.

Mechanism
The sulfonated fluoropolymer conducts protons through hydrated channels while its hydrophobic backbone blocks fuel/oxidant crossover, maintaining Faradaic efficiency.

Key features

• Thick, robust membrane for long runs and higher temperatures
• Excellent chemical and mechanical stability
• Reduced hydrogen/oxygen crossover compared to thinner grades
• Suitable for larger active areas (15 × 15 cm, 20 × 20 cm)
• Works with standard PEM hardware, gaskets and flow fields
  
  

Applications

• Long-duration PEM fuel cell tests
• PEM electrolysis in teaching and research labs
• Electrochemical synthesis under strongly acidic conditions
• Benchmarking alternative PEM materials