Ionomer thin film studies: effect of ionomer type on structure and properties

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Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have regained a lot of interest over the past year after the launch of first PEFC-powered commercial vehicle by Toyota - the Mirai - in December 2014. Continual improvement in performance and reduction in cost still remain the mid-to-long term focus for this technology. The ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) is a critical material component of PEFCs. This material exists as 10s of microns thick electrolyte membrane and also as nano-thin films in the catalyst layer of PEFCs. The ultimate objective of the proposed research is to establish the structure-property relationships of the ultra-thin ionomer films for a number of different ionomers varying in molecular structure to help our industrial partner make science-based choice in selecting ionomer type and to tune fabrication conditions for designing high performance CLs. Additionally, from the new knowledge/data generated, rational design rules might be set up for novel synthesis or development of ionomer. In addition, the fundamental knowledge on ionomer structure-property relations could be useful to broader engineering/scientific/technological community, e.g. those involved in using thin ionomer films for other applications such as actuators, electrolyzers, sensors, polymer electrolyte based batteries in as well as new methodologies.