Polyelectrolyte or proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are critically important in fuel cell applications. The nanoscale structure, along with the polymer chain and water dynamics, are of vital importance to the overall transport properties and proton conducting performance. In order to optimize membrane (and membrane electrode assembly) performance, it is essential to have detailed models describing the development of morphology and the structure-property relationships in these materials. This project focuses on developing new metrologies and methods that will enable us to generate more accurate models of membrane structure, chain dynamics, and water behavior. Investigational methods include rotational (transmission) small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, quasi-elastic neutron scattering, dielectric spectroscopy, environmentally controlled atomic force microscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, and reflectivity using both x rays and neutrons. This project is an ongoing collaborative effort with close interaction with industrial researchers. It is likely that any advances made in this area will have a direct impact on the industrial processes in the fabrication of the membrane electrode assemblies for automotive applications.

 

Keywords:

Charge transport; Dynamics; Fuel cells; Nation; Polymer; Proton exchange membranes; Relaxations;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants