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http://dx.doi.org/10.14579/MEMBRANE_JOURNAL.2020.30.1.57

Effect of NafionⓇ Chain Length on Proton Transport as a Binder Material  

Kang, Hoseong (Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTECH))
Park, Chi Hoon (Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTECH))
Publication Information
Membrane Journal / v.30, no.1, 2020 , pp. 57-65 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the water channel morphology and the proton conductivity by changing the number of repeating units of the polymer backbone of PEMs, and to present a criterion for selecting an appropriate polymer model for MD simulation. In the model with the shortest polymer main chain, the movement of the main chain and the sulfonic acid group was observed to be large, but no change in the water channel morphology was found. In addition, due to the nature of the proton transport ability that is most affected by the water channel morphology, the proton conductivity did not show a significant correlation with the length of the polymer backbone. These results provide important information, particularly for the preparation of ionomers for binders. In general, a low molecular weight polymer electrolyte material is used for a binder ionomer. Since the movement of the main chain/sulfonic acid group is improved, it can play a role of enclosing the catalyst layer well. However, there is no change in its proton conducting performance. In conclusion, the preparation of ionomers for binders will require molecular weight and structure design with a focus on physical properties rather than proton transfer performance.
Keywords
polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell; $Nafion^{(R)}$; chain length; proton transport; molecular dynamics;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 4  (Citation Analysis)
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