Work

Design and Characterization of Hybrid Multilayer Structures: Layer-by-Layer Growth of Polymer and Graphene Oxide Assemblies and Their Utility in Fuel Cell Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the layer-by-layer growth of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) that has been modified with sulfamate functionalities (S-PEI) using Zr 4+ -complexation interlayer linking chemistry. We have also deposited adlayers of graphene oxide (GO) that have been modified to possess sulfate functionalities (S-GO), onto the S-PEI layers. The multilayer assemblies are formed with sulfamate/sulfate and sulfate/sulfate (S-PEI + S-GO) interlayer linking chemistry. In all cases the adlayer thickness is consistent with predictions based on van der Waals volume and/or molecular mechanics calculations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to characterize the Zr/S stoichiometry in the multilayer assembly. The utility of these hybrid multilayer structures is demonstrated in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, where they are shown to reduce H 2 gas crossover by 15% with only a 12 nm thick layer.

Source: ACS Applied Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.5c03672

Authors: Neelanjana Mukherjee, Nancy S. Muyanja, Yunzhu Zhang, Phuong Quynh Ngo, Anusorn Kongkanand, G. J. Blanchard

Institutions: Michigan State University, University of Michigan, General Motors (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500