The permeated hydrogen detection through a metal membrane is essential to monitoring and control of hydrogen damage, especially in steels. Among several sensors technologies available, the electrochemical sensors are widely used. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPE), used in Solid Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (SPEFC), can be an alternative to replace liquid electrolyte in electrochemical sensor, due its chemical and mechanical stability. There are several polymers used in this application, although the standard one is Nafion®. The most important characteristic of a SPE is the proton conductivity, caused by water molecules dissociation in the structure of the polymer. Consequently, the conductivity is highly dependent on membrane humidification conditions. Temperature can also influence the proton conductivity. In this work, we review the SPE characterization and its treatment techniques. We discuss also preparation, hydration and storage of a polymer to be employed in construction of a hydrogen electrochemical sensor.
Hydrogen; Hydrogen Sensors; Solid Polymer Electrolytes; Proton Exchange Membranes
