Interfacial Distribution of Nafion Ionomer Thin Films on Nitrogen-Modified Carbon Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Chemically modified carbon supports for the cathode catalyst layers of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) show considerable promise for boosting the oxygen reduction reaction. This study evaluated the ionomer distribution of Nafion ionomer thin films on nitrogen (N)-modified carbon surfaces along their depth direction. Neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements performed using the double-contrast technique with H₂O and D₂O revealed that the introduction of N functional groups to carbon thin films promoted ionomer adsorption onto the surface under wet conditions (22 °C, 85% relative humidity). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations conducted to verify the origin of the robust contact between the ionomer and N-modified carbon surface revealed an ionomer adsorption mechanis

SUBMITTER: Yoshimune W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10806603 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature