What are the current uses for Nafion?
Nafion is used primarily as the ion exchange membrane in chlor-alkali production, where salt solutions are separated electrolytically into chlorine and sodium hydroxide. In this environment, Nafion must tolerate elevated temperatures, high electrical currents, and extremely corrosive compounds. Nafion was developed specifically for this application. Perma Pure offers a wide variety of gas dryers and humidifiers based on the selective water transport properties of Nafion. Nafion is also used as the active membrane in fuel cells. Its acid properties are exploited to drive acid-catalyzed reactions. Its ion exchange properties are used in numerous applications in scientific instrumentation. Its conductive properties make it suitable for use as a coating for the tip of pacemaker electrodes, where it resists overgrowth of surrounding tissues while remaining conductive.
