Published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

The study on “Interfacial Distribution of Nafion Ionomer Thin Films on Nitrogen-modified Carbon Surfaces” by Wataru Yoshimune et al., in collaboration with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, and the Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells have been fascinated by their use in fuel cell electric vehicles. The interface between carbon supports and polymer electrolytes in the cathode catalyst layer impacts the fuel cell performance. In this study, we performed the interfacial analysis of Nafion thin films using the SHARAKU neutron reflectometer at J-PARC. The results indicate that chemically modified carbon surfaces change the adsorption state of polymer electrolytes on the carbon surface. The obtained results are expected to contribute to the interfacial design of the cathode catalyst layer for further improving fuel cell performance.

Title: Interfacial Distribution of Nafion Ionomer Thin Films on Nitrogen-modified Carbon Surfaces
Authors: Yoshimune, W., Kikkawa, N., Yoneyama, H., Takahashi, N., Minami, S., Akimoto, Y., Mitsuoka T., Kawaura, H., Harada, M., Yamada, NL, Aoki, H.
Journal Name: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Published: November 23, 2022
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c14574