Work

Variational Models of Network Formation and Ion Transport: Applications to Perfluorosulfonate Ionomer Membranes

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: We present the functionalized Cahn-Hilliard (FCH) energy, a continuum characterization of interfacial energy whose minimizers describe the network morphology of solvated functionalized polymer membranes. With a small set of parameters the FCH characterizes bilayer, pore-like, and micelle network structures. The gradient flows derived from the FCH describe the interactions between these structures, including the merging and pinch-off of endcaps and formation of junctions central to the generation of network morphologies. We couple the FCH gradient flow to a model of ionic transport which incorporates entropic effects to localize counter-ions, yielding a flow which dissipates a total free energy, and an expression for the excess electrochemical potential which combines electrostatic and entropic effects. We present applications to network bifurcation and membrane casting.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym4010630

Authors: Nir Gavish, Jaylan Jones, Zhengfu Xu, Andrew Christlieb, Keith Promislow

Institutions: Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: National Science Foundation