Solvent choice greatly influences the morphology of PFSAs in solution1-4, which in turn alters pH. Starting with a solvent-ionomer compositional matrix, solvent versus pH effects are decoupled. Using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, rheology, and direct visualization with cryo electron microscopy, particle-solvent-ionomer systems are then studied to understand aggregation, stability, and rheology under various pH conditions.
Acknowledgements
This work was mainly funded under the Fuel Cell Performance and Durability Consortium (FC PAD) funded by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, of the U. S. Department of Energy under contract number DE-AC02-05CH11231. S.A.B also acknowledges support from National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE 1106400.
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