Current-sensing atomic force microscopy for analyzing conformations and properties of polymer membranes for fuel cells

The three-dimensional structures of polymer membranes are different at surfaces and inside bulks, and thus, in general, physical/chemical properties are also different. Morphologies and properties of membrane surfaces are now visualized by current-sensing atomic force microscopy. The increase in performances of a single cell is discussed based on the three-dimensional structures of the polymer membrane, anion-exchange membrane as an example, used for fuel cells. Other reports on Nafion®, proton-exchange membrane, are also introduced to show the importance of this microscopic method.