Membrane Development and Advanced
Polymer Characterization
Professor Hickner’s group has extensive experience in developing and
applying advanced characterization methods for quantifying structure-
property relationships in novel proton exchange membranes. Our current
interests comprise quantification of membrane nano-structure and
correlation with polymer chemical features and the resultant transport.
We strive to ultimately predict the properties and performance of a
membrane based on its chemical constituents and inspire new material
design from this insight. Additionally, our researchers have contributed to
the development of several different classes of alternative membranes and
have demonstrated these membranes in both hydrogen/air PEMFCs and
DMFCs as well as in other electrochemical systems (e.g. electrolyzers).
Extensive characterization of materials is performed both ex-situ in ideal
environments to determine the fundamental properties of membranes and
in-situ in a fuel cell device to determine the membrane’s influence on
overall device performance.
Previous efforts:
• Characterization and fuel cell testing of poly(sulfone), poly(imide), and
poly(phenylene)-based proton exchange membranes
• Organic-inorganic composite membrane fabrication and
characterization
• Lifetime and durability testing with focus on membrane properties
• Novel electrode compatibility studies with alternative membranes
20 nm
5 nm
Nano-phase separation in Nafion – Pb2+ stained TEM micrographs
Capabilities include:
• Proton conductivity and precision water uptake measurements as a
function of temperature and relative humidity
• Characterization of ion and small molecules transport across
membranes in an aqueous environment
• Water mobility measurements by nuclear magnetic resonance and
dynamic scanning calorimetry
• Custom MEA fabrication with standard or novel electrodes and
demonstration of alternative membranes in fuel cell devices
• Accelerated ex-situ or i