Layer-by-layer Assembly of Nanocomposites for Energy Applications.

TL;DRAbstract

In the dissertation we utilized the versatility of layer-by-layer assembly to explore the possibilities of improving membrane characteristics in energy-related applications using such technique. Nanocomposite membranes comprising common polymers and state-of-art nanomaterials were fabricated by LBL technique. Physical and electrochemical properties, as well as performance in actual energy devices were intensively investigated. In fuel cell applications, Pt nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers were manufactured into freestanding membranes for the use in fuel cell MEAs. SWNT and CF in LBL membranes formed extensive percolation networks and contributed to enhanced electronic and proton conductivities. Platinum nanoparticles deposited on the sidewalls of SWNT and CF incorporated with Nafion significantly increased the number of catalysis sites and improved the accessibility to TPBs. Substantially improvement in performance and catalyst utilization was recorded. Thi

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