6533b872fe1ef96bd12d425b

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Flexible Perfluoropolyethers-Functionalized CNTs-Based UHMWPE Composites: A Study on Hydrogen Evolution, Conductivity and Thermal Stability

Maurizio SansoteraValeria MaronaPiergiorgio MarzianiNadka Tzankova DintchevaElisabetta MoriciRossella ArrigoGianlorenzo BussettiWalter NavarriniLuca Magagnin

subject

flexible electrode functionalized CNTs hydrogen evolution perfluoropolyethers UHMWPE compositesUHMWPE compositesperfluoropolyethersflexible electrodehydrogen evolutionfunctionalized CNTsSettore ING-IND/22 - Scienza E Tecnologia Dei MaterialiGeneral Materials ScienceUHMWPE composites; functionalized CNTs; perfluoropolyethers; flexible electrode; hydrogen evolution

description

Flexible conductive composites based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) were produced. The bonding of PFPE chains, added in 1:1 and 2:1 weight ratios, on CNTs influences the dispersion of nanotubes in the UHMWPE matrix due to the non-polar nature of the polymer, facilitating the formation of nanofillers-rich conductive pathways and improving composites’ electrical conductivity (two to five orders of magnitude more) in comparison to UHMWPE-based nanocomposites obtained with pristine CNTs. Electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes during cyclic voltammetry (CV). The decrease of the overpotential for hydrogen oxidation peaks in samples containing PFPE-functionalized CNTs and hydrogen production (approximately −1.0 V vs. SHE) suggests that these samples could find application in fuel cell technology as well as in hydrogen storage devices. Carbon black-containing composites were prepared for comparative study with CNTs containing nanocomposites.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2022-10-03Materials; Volume 15; Issue 19; Pages: 6883
10.3390/ma15196883https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma15196883