Ion‐Exchange Plasma Membranes for Fuel Cells on a Micrometer Scale

Abstract

Abstract Recent advances in miniaturization technology make polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells very attractive as power sources for portable devices. Ion‐exchange membranes for microscale fuel cells are synthesized by plasma polymerization (using a precursor containing ion‐exchange groups) and intensively characterized. Ion‐exchange plasma membranes are thin, amorphous, and dense materials with no defects. Spectroscopic analyses reveal a polymer‐type matrix containing a rather high concentration of ion‐exchange groups. Under the best synthesis conditions, membranes show a satisfying ionic conduction level and a high compatibility with other active layers of fuel cells, making them suitable for insertion in such power‐supply devices.