Fluorinated Metal Compounds

摘要

Low-molecular-weight model compounds for Nation membranes, which are formed of a perfluorinated backbone and pendant chains, are used in fuel cells to separate the cathode and anode compartments, and to allow proton transportation between them. The fragmentation of these materials was studied by spin trapping electron spin resonance methods, with exposure to OH radicals formed by UV irradiation at 300 K. The results suggest that both sulphonate and carboxylate groups could be attacked by OH radicals, and indicated that degradation can occur by two mechanisms, originating at the fluorinated or side chains. Different spin traps provided complementary information on the type of radical adducts present, and on their formation as a function of time.