Degree Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Chemical and Biological Engineering
First Advisor
Eric W. Cochran
Second Advisor
Kurt R. Hebert
Abstract
Current polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalyst layers are disordered blends of carbon-supported platinum catalyst in an ionomeric matrix. The objective of this research was to design preliminary materials for a self-assembling Pt/SWNT/block copolymer catalyst nanocomposite system for use in a PEMFC catalyst layer. Initial work toward this goal was conducted. Platinum nanoparticles were deposited on SWNTs by way of facile reduction in ethylene glycol, as proven by TGA and TEM. Graft polymerizations of polystyrene from oxidized SWNTs via ATRP reaction and pristine SWNTs via anionic polymerization were successful. The polystyrene brushes displayed improved solubility in organic solvents over pristine SWNTs. Further analysis of the brushes was performed using TEM and FTIR spectroscopy.
Copyright Owner
Toheeb Bola Alabi
Copyright Date
2008
Language
en
Date Available
2012-04-30
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
48 pages
Recommended Citation
Alabi, Toheeb Bola, "High-activity fuel cell catalyst layers via block copolymer nanocomposites" (2008). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 11814.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/11814
