Advancing sustainable energy: Structurally organized proton and hydroxide ion-conductive polymers

Nagao, Yuki

doi:10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101464

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 51 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Hydration significantly influences the mechanical and physical properties of polymers, making them more flexible as water molecules act as plasticizers. , Enhanced biocompatibility arises from hydrated polymers that mimic the natural environment of biological tissues. − Additionally, proton conductivity increases due to the formation of uniform water channels. − Moreover, hydration induces molecular-scale structural changes, prompting proteins to fold into complex three-dimensional structures . Conversely, dehydration causes proteins to lose their highly ordered structures and biological activity. − Therefore, proteins transition from ordered to disordered structures through the hydration-dehydration process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Order-Order Transition in Statistical Copolymer Thin Film Induced by LCST-Type Behavior

Kikuchi,

Hara,

Nagano

et al. 2024

J. Phys. Chem. B

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In this paper, we describe the formation of an ordered structure in a copolymer thin film through hydration, which subsequently transitions to a different ordered structure upon dehydration. A statistical copolymer of poly(N-octadecyl acrylamide-stat-hydroxymethyl acrylamide) with a comonomer content ratio of 1:1, denoted as p(ODA50/HEAm50), was synthesized via free radical copolymerization. We prepared a thin film of this copolymer on a solid substrate and annealed it at 60 °C under humid conditions. This treatment formed a side-chain segregated lamellar (SCSegL) structure, in which the ODA and HEAm units are oriented perpendicularly to the polymer backbone and opposite each other. Increasing the annealing temperature to 90 °C led to a transition to a side-chain mixed lamellar (SCMixL) structure, where the ODA and HEAm units are also oriented perpendicularly to the polymer backbone but in both directions. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) data indicate that p(ODA50/HEAm50) exhibits LCST-like behavior with a transition temperature of approximately 50 °C. We conclude that the formation of the SCSegL structure at 60 °C is due to pronounced segregation between the water-adsorbed HEAm groups and the hydrophobic ODA. Conversely, dehydration at 90 °C reduces the segregation forces, forming the SCMixL structure, which exhibits lower strain. These results demonstrate that the p(ODA50/HEAm50) film undergoes an order-to-order transition driven by the hydration-dehydration process. Additionally, we found that changes in the lamellar structure significantly alter the swelling properties of the film.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Order-Order Transition in Statistical Copolymer Thin Film Induced by LCST-Type Behavior

Kikuchi,

Hara,

Nagano

et al. 2024

J. Phys. Chem. B

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Proton‐Conducting Polymers: Key to Next‐Generation Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers, Batteries, Actuators, and Sensors

Nagao

2024

ChemElectroChem

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The author summarized recent diverse applications and advancements for proton‐conducting polymers since 2018, emphasizing their importance in various technological areas. These polymers are integral to fuel cells, water electrolysis, energy storage systems, actuators, and sensors, offering high proton conductivity, chemical stability, and adaptability. The review elucidated aspects of specific applications, highlighting their roles in optimizing fuel cell efficiency and enhancing water electrolysis for hydrogen production, improving energy storage in supercapacitors and batteries, and explaining their emerging use in smart materials and robotics. Additionally, the paper presented discussion of the latest research trends, particularly from environmental and cost perspectives, specifically addressing the chemical modification of these polymers to enhance their functionality and to broaden their scope of application.

show abstract

Advancing sustainable energy: Structurally organized proton and hydroxide ion-conductive polymers

Cited by 2 publications

References 51 publications

Order-Order Transition in Statistical Copolymer Thin Film Induced by LCST-Type Behavior

Order-Order Transition in Statistical Copolymer Thin Film Induced by LCST-Type Behavior

Proton‐Conducting Polymers: Key to Next‐Generation Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers, Batteries, Actuators, and Sensors

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About