chemical · input
Nafion is a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer (PFSA) ionomer membrane invented by DuPont in the 1960s. It is the dominant ion exchange membrane for: (1) industrial chlor-alkali membrane cells (replacing mercury amalgam process for chlorine/NaOH), (2) PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells for hydrogen vehicles, (3) PEM electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. The same proton-conducting polymer enables industrial chlorine chemistry, clean transportation, and green hydrogen — three entirely different supply chains. Global Nafion market: ~$500M/year; DuPont controls ~70-80% through the Nafion brand; competitors include Solvay (Aquivion) and Chemours (rebranded Nafion after DuPont spin-off, then licensing arrangements).
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Who makes it
1 company produce nafion pfsa membrane (fuel cell / electrolyzer / chlor-alkali).
US chemical conglomerate (NYSE: DD). Divested its entire Aramids business (Kevlar + Nomex brands) to Arclin (TJC L.P.) for $1.8B; transaction closed April 1, 2026. DuPont invented Kevlar in 1965 (Stephanie Kwolek, Wilmington DE). After divestiture, DuPont retains no para-aramid production. The Spruance, Maydown, and Du Pont-Toray facilities are now operated by Arclin.
