Cation Exchange Membranes (CEM)

The Xergy Xion™ Composite Proton Exchange Membranes (Composite Dyneon, Composite Nafion, and Composite Aquivion) are composite PEMs (also known as reinforced or mechanically reinforced membranes) that use the 3M Dyneion™ resin, Nafion resin, and Aquivion resin, respectively, and can be purchased with different equivalent weights (EW). They are stable under acidic and neutral conditions. All Xion™ composite PEM membranes have high selectivity, high chemical resistance, and durability.  Currently, we are supplying the reinforced Xion™ Proton Exchange Membranes with the following thicknesses: 5 micrometers, 10 micrometers, 20 micrometers, 30 micrometers, and 50 micrometers.  Since all of these membrane products are mechanically reinforced, they are ideally suited for un-pressurized or pressurized proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, PEM electrolyzers, PEM proton pumps, PEM oxygen concentrators, PEM hypoxia, batteries, or any other acidic to neutral electrochemical devices.  Gaseous or liquid reactants can be used without any issue.

When would you use a thinner reinforced cation exchange membranes (equal or less than 10 micrometers)?
When the best efficiency is required and there won't be much differential pressure across the membrane. Or when the reactants (fuel or oxidizer) are supplied as dry gases (0% RH) or partially humidified (<50% RH).  Thinner membranes provides excellent water transport across the membrane, maintains sufficient amount of hydration both at the anode and cathode, and hence minimizes the generation of peroxide radicals and other radical species that are harmful to the membrane when the fuel or oxidant is supplied either as dry or partially humidified.

When would you use a thicker reinforced cation exchange membranes (greater than 10 micrometers)?
Thicker membranes are more appropriate for differential pressure applications or very long operational lifetimes. Or when the reactants (fuel or oxidizer) are supplied in sufficiently humidified states such as 50%+ RH.