U.S.-Slovak Research on Properties of Glass-Forming Materials and Proton-Conducting Polymers

United States Naval Academy- Do Not Use, Annapolis MD

Investigators

Abstract

This U.S.-Slovak materials research project between John Fontanella of the U.S. Naval Academy and his partner, Josef Bartos of the Polymer Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, will study the mechanisms of ion transport and dipole reorientation in polymer electrolytes. To do so they will draw upon Slovak expertise in positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) and the U.S. team's experience with electron relaxation and conductivity in polymer electrolytes at varying pressures, temperatures and frequencies. The goal is to produce experimental data for analysis that can better describe the free volume microstructure of polymer matrices, the segmental motions of polymer chains, and the diffusional motions of ions. Based on the free volume concept, theoretical methods will be developed jointly and applied to interpret these results, using modeling and computer simulations. If successful, findings should improve current understanding of the conductive properties of glass-forming materials and proton-conducting polymers with direct implications for developing better fuel cells and batteries. This collaborative project in polymers research fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Central Europe to combine complementary talents and share research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.