Influence of Quaternary Ammonium Cation Chemistry on Interfacial Morphology of Anion-Conducting Block Copolymers at a Silver Interface

摘要

The heterogeneous microstructure of the electrode in polymer electrolyte-based electrochemical devices features a complex mixture of interacting species, including ionomer, catalyst particles, and typically a conductive carbon support. The triple-phase boundary which forms between these three components significantly impacts the transport of water, ions, and reactant and product species to and from reaction sites. Hence, overall performance of the electrochemical device is significantly impacted by the structures that form in the electrode, which are driven by interactions between the ionomer and catalyst components. It is known that interactions at the ionomer-catalyst interface can facilitate restructuring of the ionomer morphology, ultimately affecting transport networks. Therefore, a more fundamental understanding of ionomer-catalyst interactions can aid in the development of ionomer chemistries that result in desirable interfacial morphologies and electrode structures.