Choi, Jiwoo Kim, Dongsu Chae, Ji Eon Lee, Sanghyeok Kim, Sang Moon Yoo, Sung Jong Kim, Hyoung-Juhn Choi, Mansoo Jang, Segeun 2024-01-19T10:34:15Z 2024-01-19T10:34:15Z 2022-12-01 2022-11 1944-8244 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/114296 Developing a method for fabricating high-efficient and low-cost fuel cells is imperative for commercializing polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FCs). This study introduces a mechanical and chemical modification technique using the oxygen plasma irradiation process for hydrocarbon-based (HC) PEM. The oxygen functional groups were introduced on the HC-PEM surface through the plasma process in the controlled area, and microsized structures were formed. The modified membrane was incorporated with plasma-treated electrodes, improving the adhesive force between the HC-PEM and the electrode. The decal transfer was enabled at low temperatures and pressures, and the interfacial resistance in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) was reduced. Furthermore, the micropillar structured electrode configuration significantly reduced the oxygen transport resistance in the MEA. Various diagnostic techniques were conducted to find out the effects of the membrane surface modification, interface adhesion, and mass transport, such as physical characterizations, mechanical stress tests, and diverse electrochemical measurements. English American Chemical Society Oxygen Plasma-Mediated Microstructured Hydrocarbon Membrane for Improving Interface Adhesion and Mass Transport in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Article 10.1021/acsami.2c15122 1 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, v.14, no.45, pp.50956 - 50965 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 14 45 50956 50965 N scie scopus 000880846200001 Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Science & Technology - Other Topics Materials Science Article PROTON-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE IONIC-CONDUCTIVITY RESISTANCE LAYER MITIGATION STRATEGIES fuel cell hydrocarbon membrane plasma microstructure adhesion mass transport