We describe a magnetic resonance force microscopy experiment carried out using both a fast-relaxing spin system and a frequency-modulation mode detection method, presenting a validation of the measured signal and sensitivity. The detection method applied along with a self-excited cantilever oscillation worked stably without any serious interference due to spurious cantilever excitation despite application of first-harmonic microwave modulation, and thereby successfully created almost the maximum available signal. The signal could be measured without distortion while the magnetic field was swept at a rate of 1.9 G s−1. The measured sensitivity approached the thermal noise limit of the cantilever with a high quality factor. The experimental results for both signal and noise were in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

The ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) is an essential parameter for their device applications. In water-swollen PEMs, protons and other ions are transferred through hydrophilic channels of a few nanometers in diameter at most. Thus, optimizing the chemical and physical properties of the channels can enhance the conductivity of PEMs. However, the factors controlling the conductivity have not been completely clarified. Here, we report that measurements taken near the channel walls by a special nuclear magnetic resonance technique with ≤1 nm spatial resolution showed the largest water diffusivity when ∼80% of hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups were blocked, but the proton conductivity was low. The water diffusivity was much less affected by differences in water content. Our results provide a concept for changing the properties of PEMs and a challenge to implement the improved diffusivity in a way that enhances net ion conductivity.

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