Surface Modification of Nafion Membranes Using Atmospheric-Pressure Low-Temperature Plasmas for Electrochemical Applications

• Published in: Plasma processes and polymers Vol. 5; no. 4; pp. 377 - 385
• Main Authors: Kim, Jong Hoon, Sohn, Juhee, Cho, Jin Hoon, Choi, Myeong Yeol, Koo, Il Gyo, Lee, Woong Moo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 13.06.2008; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Applied sciences; atmospheric pressure plasmas; dielectric barrier discharges (DBD); Displays; Electrochemical cells; Electrolytes; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fuel cells; Helium; Membranes; Morphology; nafion membranes; Plasmas; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; surface roughness; Technology of polymers; Ionomer; nafion membranes; Atmospheric pressure; dielectric barrier discharges (DBD); Plasma assisted processing; Processing time; Surface topography; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Surface treatment; atmospheric pressure plasmas; surface roughness; Electrochemical characteristic; Sulfonate copolymer; Structure processing relationship; Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer; Wettability; Cold plasma; Plasma etching; Cation exchange membrane; Microroughness; Surface properties; fuel cells; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
• ISSN: 1612-8850; 1612-8869; 1612-8869
• DOI: 10.1002/ppap.200700108

The surface morphology of a proton‐conducting polymer membrane is modified by plasma treatments in view of electrochemical applications. The atmospheric‐pressure glow plasmas generated using helium/hydrogen gas mixtures, or helium as the working gas are etching the surfaces very efficiently. The Nafion membranes placed between two dielectric disks undergo morphological, as well as surface chemical structural changes during exposure to the RF powered discharges. The change in the surface morphology depends on the composition of the plasma. The electrochemical cell employing the modified membrane as the electrolyte displays remarkable improvements in registering the current density.