“…The decrease in performance was partially attributed to membrane deterioration, possibly caused by the loss or poisoning of functional groups, de-cross-linking resulting in increased swelling, changes in IEC, fouling from precipitation of ions, and even physical breakdown, suggesting the necessity for further improvements in the stability of the 3541P membrane, particularly for applications at elevated temperatures. At 25°C (Figure 8b), the 3541P membrane exhibited better stability than Nafion ® 117, which was mainly attributed to the grafting process, which provided mechanically strong, insoluble, hydrophilic ion exchange membranes, at least at ambient temperature [19]. Efficient ion transport, due to their higher IEC values, occurring in the 3541P membrane could not be ruled out.…”