OXYGEN PERMEATION THROUGH PERFLUORINATED CARBOXYLATE ION-EXCHANGE MEMBRANES

Permeation of oxygen through perfluorinated carboxylate membranes (Fle mion(R)) of different counterions and equivalent weights (EW = 700 and 800) was investigated. Solubilities and diffusion coefficients of oxy gen in the membranes were determined by an electrochemical monitoring technique using solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes. The so lubilities were close to the values in perfluorocarbon media rather th an to the value in water. The solubility decreased with increasing wat er content of the membranes. The diffusion coefficient in 700 EW membr anes increased with increasing water content, while that in 800 EW mem branes decreased slightly. On the basis of these results, the diffusio n path of oxygen through the membranes was discussed in terms of morph ological properties of perfluorinated ion exchange membranes.