Abstract
The Cu/Nafion-based ionic polymer metal composites were analyzed in terms morphology, proton conductivity, water loss, displacement and blocking force performance were examined. The SEM images revealed that Cu particles distribution is uniform and compact on the surface of Nafion membrane due to continuous heterogeneous nucleation and grain growth. The IPMC is composed of the ionomer membrane layer, the middle layer and the surface electrode layer. A less water restricts the migration of the hydrated cation transfer, and causes the migration barrier, resulting in reducing conductivity of the IPMCs. The maximum displacement and maximum force are 30 mm and 9.1 mN.