Synthesis of plasma polymerized {PEM} with pillar surface structure and its fuel cell performance
By Nath, Bhabesh Kumar; Chutia, Joyanti
Published in Materials Research Bulletin
2018
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is synthesized successfully by plasma polymerization technique in {RF} plasma discharge. The chemical composition of the prepared membranes is examined by {FTIR} analyses. {SEM} and {AFM} analysis of the membrane show the formation of a prominent pillar surface structure at high {RF} power. The pillar structure of the membrane also plays an indispensable role in the cell performance of the plasma polymerized PEM. The physical properties of the membrane developed under different plasma conditions are investigated in the range of {RF} power from 20 to 80 W. The membrane synthesized at 50 W shows better cell performance that it develops 610 mW cm?2 of power density and 0.68 A cm?2 of current density at 0.6 volts in fuel cell than other membranes synthesized at different plasma conditions.