Date of Completion

Spring 5-1-2024

Thesis Advisor(s)

Jasna Jankovic

Honors Major

Materials Science and Engineering

Disciplines

Ceramic Materials | Polymer and Organic Materials

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising low-carbon technology that still face problems including low durability during their normal operation cycles. At the cathode, the carbon supports of the catalysts may corrode. Atomic layer deposition of titanium nitride is performed on prepared catalyst layer samples. The purpose of the deposition is to create a thin film over the carbon supports to reduce carbon support corrosion and improve the lifespan of the fuel cell. Sheet resistances and contact angles are measured for the samples before and after the deposition, although some samples did not receive the deposition and post-deposition characterization for this work. The sheet resistance is converted to bulk electrical conductivity using the sample thickness. Electrical conductivities and contact angles are important predictors of how the fuel cell would manage the transport of electrons and water, respectively. Conductivity and contact angle values are compared before and after titanium nitride deposition. For the samples that were completed, titanium nitride deposition decreased the electrical conductivity and decreased the contact angle of the samples. Relations between these properties and performance in a fuel cell are discussed, including a recommendation on improving these properties.

Download

Share

COinS