Magnitude Of Charge Research Articles

First-principles investigations of the crystal and electronic structures, dynamical and mechanical stabilities, Born effective charges and dielectric permittivities of a novel tetragonal zirconia

In this paper, a novel tetragonal ZrO2 phase has been predicted from first-principles calculations. The detailed crystal structural analysis shows that the tetragonal ZrO2 has a space group I41/amd (D4h19, No. 141) with 4 formula units per unit cell and 16 symmetry operations as well as six-fold cation coordination. The Zr atoms occupy 4a Wyckoff positions (0, 1/2, 1/4) and (1/2, 1/2, 1/2) and the O atoms occupy 8e Wyckoff positions (0, 0, z+1/8), (0, 1/2, z+3/8), (1/2, 0, -z+5/8) and (1/2, 1/2, -z+3/8) with z = 0.0761. The electronic structures, dynamical and mechanical stabilities investigations show the tetragonal ZrO2 is dynamical and mechanical stable as well as with a large direct band gap of 3.9015eV at Γ point. The phonon dispersion is divided into two regions: the low frequency part (0–8.6240 THz) and the high frequency part (10.3453–18.4034 THz) with a separation gap of 1.7213 THz. The magnitudes of Born effective charges are greater than the nominal chemical valences of +4 and −2 for Zr and O ions, respectively, reflecting a strong dynamic charge transfer from Zr to O atoms and thus a p-d hybridized Zr–O ionic bond. A diagonal and anisotropic static dielectric permittivity εij0 is obtained between ab-plane ε110=ε220=17.80 and along c axis ε330=14.77.

Basic Study on Calibration using Waveform Variation in Space Charge Measurement by Pulsed Electroacoustic Method

The pulsed electroacoustic method determines the distribution of space charge in an insulation system by applying a pulse voltage and detecting the acoustic response. It estimates the location and magnitude of charges from time-domain signals. For quantitative analysis, a bias voltage is applied to a specimen with no space charge, and the acoustic signal generated from the electrodes only is used as a reference waveform for calibration. However, a full-scale, extra-high voltage insulation system often already contains space charges in it. Therefore, a method of acquiring a reference signal under such a condition was studied. We studied methods to compare voltage variations and response signal variations. We proposed a method that measures the signal difference at different voltages. In addition, we proposed a method of correlating voltage and signal variations that may allow for more rapid signal acquisition. The feasibility was proved using an 11 mm-thick mimic polyethylene specimen.

Examination of the Partial Discharge Behaviour Within a Spherical Cavity in Insulation Paper of Transformer

This paper investigates the behaviour of partial discharge (PD) in transformer insulation paper based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The three-dimensional (3D) FEM model consists of conductor and insulation paper, representing part of a transformer’s high voltage winding. The conductor’s width, height, and length used in this study were 2.4 mm, 11.5 mm, and 16 mm. An insulation paper thickness of 1 mm was modelled around the conductor. An internal cavity with a diameter of 0.5 mm cavity was introduced within the insulation paper. This study introduced two locations of the spherical cavities at the centre and left corner of the insulation paper: Location 1 (L1) and Location 2 (L2). An AC voltage of 33 kV, 50 Hz, was applied to the conductor while the bottom of the insulation paper was grounded. The model was used to study the electric field distribution within the insulation paper and its effect on PD current and charge magnitude. The influence of cavity location on the charge magnitude was also examined. It is found that the electric field distribution is influenced by the conductor configuration as well as the location of the cavity. The electric field in the cavity is the highest at L1 compared to L2. The first PD occurs faster for the cavity with a high electric field. Due to the PD occurrence at the same inception field, the real PD current and charge magnitude is similar at different locations. The apparent PD current and charge magnitude induced at the ground electrode is slightly higher at L1 than at L2.

Residual charge effects on partial discharges' response to varying sub‐kHz voltage frequencies

AbstractPartial discharges (PD) are the ‘cancer’ of electrical insulation. Insulation design and mitigation of PD‐induced degradation should be based on good knowledge of PD phenomena. In that regard, a significant body of knowledge has been built up from concerted research across the world in past decades and on various aspects of PD phenomena under various conditions. However, the work is far from being complete as new challenges arise. One such challenge is that electric power equipment insulation is becoming more exposed to non‐power frequency voltages. Examples are the proliferation of invertor‐based grid‐tied renewable energy sources and other technologies such as high‐frequency power electronic transformers. Questions that are driving continued research in this regard include the reasons for lack of consensus on the findings on how PD characteristics respond to variations in the voltage frequency. This paper presents results of how residual charge influences PD characteristics' response to voltage frequency changes from 1 to 200 Hz. The study approach is implementing the extended 3‐capacitor PD model in MATLAB® Simulink® and validating the findings using the relevant experimental results that are available in literature. The PD type studied is that of an air cavity encapsulated in a polyethylene dielectric. Highlights of the findings are that the extent of the influence of residual charge on PD characteristics depends on the relative magnitude of the residual charge as well as the voltage frequency. The relationships however exhibit non‐monotonous trends. Such results further confirm similar findings and conclusions by other researchers and could be signalling the establishment of a more solid knowledge base for design of insulations that operate at non‐power frequencies.

Revisiting theN(N + 1)/2‐sites‐type Gaussian charge model for permutationally invariant polynomial fitting of global molecular tensor surfaces

AbstractThe exact expressions for the dipole, quadrupole, and octupoles of a collection ofNpoint charges involve summations of corresponding tensors over theNsites weighted by their charge magnitudes. When the point charges are atoms (in a molecule) theN‐site formula is an approximation, and one must integrate over the electron density to recover the exact multipoles. In the present work we revisit theN(N + 1)/2‐site point charge density model of Hall (Chem. Phys. Lett.6, 501, 1973) for the purpose of fitting ab initio derived multipole moment hypersurfaces using permutationally invariant polynomials (PIP). We examine new approaches in PIP‐fitting procedures for the dipole, quadrupole, octupole moments, and polarizability tensor surfaces (DMS, QMS, OMS and PTS, respectively) for a non‐polar CCl4and a polar CHCl3and show that compared to the primitiveN‐site model theN(N + 1)/2‐site model appreciably improves the relative RMSE of the DMS and does much more substantially so, by an order of magnitude, for the corresponding ones of QMS and OMS. Training datasets are obtained by sampling potential energies up to 18 000 cm−1above the global minima, generated by molecular dynamics simulations at the DFT B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory.

Bonding between π-Conjugated Polycations and Monolayer Graphene: Decisive Role of Anions

Functionalization and precise modulation of the electronic properties of graphene are key processes in the development of new applications of this promising material. This study examines the potential of using organic polycations as p-dopants and/or anchoring motifs for non-covalent functionalization. A library of hybrid materials was prepared through wet-chemical non-covalent functionalization. Both chemical vapor deposition graphene and reduced graphene oxide were functionalized with a series of neutral and polycationic benzimidazole-based systems. We report on how both the number of anions and the size, shape, and magnitude of the positive charge of the benzimidazole-based systems cooperatively affect the redox properties as well as the affinity for and the nature of bonding to graphene. The redox properties of the benzimidazole-based systems were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The functionalized graphene materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Density functional theory calculations were performed to make contact between the experimental results obtained for molecular samples and hybrid materials. No universal dependence of the binding affinity on a single parameter, such as the amount of positive charge or the size of the system, was found. Instead, the cooperative effect of the three-dimensional structure of the benzimidazole-based systems and the number of anions was found to play a pivotal role. Together, these parameters determine the degree of partial electron sharing and magnitude of dispersion forces involved in the binding of members of this family of benzimidazole-based systems to graphene.

Discussing the rotation movement of an electric whirl through mechanical modelling and video analysis

This paper performs a semi-quantitative and low-cost experiment, combining video analysis technique and mechanical modelling, to discuss the rotation movement of an electric whirl on the top of a well-known and popular electrostatic generator. To this end, we perform video analysis of the circular trajectory described by a given sharp point of the electric whirl arm. We propose a simple model to describe the inertia moment of the electric whirl in terms of simple geometries, like: cylinders, truncated cone, and one-dimensional linear arms. The analytical results for the inertia moment are validated using SolidWorks simulations and the electronic microscopy experimental technique. When considering a simple electrostatic model for the electric field around sharp points of the electric whirl arms, kinematic and dynamic analyses are used to estimate an upper bound for the magnitude of the electric charge pulled from the air, which results in the electric wind phenomenon.

The surface energy and surface charge of microbubbles generated by frother surfactants

Microbubbles (MBs) in froth flotation have the important function of facilitating the collision and attachment between air bubbles and hydrophobic materials and subsequently recovering the hydrophobic materials. However, whether MBs can be generated in a flotation cell by adding frother surfactants is unknown. This study was designed to determine whether the two widely used frothers, methyl isobutylcarbinol (MIBC), representing alcohol frothers, and Dowfroth 250 (DF250), representing polyglycol ether frothers, could help generate MBs in a mechanical flotation cell. The underpinning air/water interfacial properties were also studied in the presence of the two frothers. The real time bubble size measurement demonstrated that MBs could be generated in the mechanical flotation cell in the presence of MIBC or DF250, and DF250 produced more and smaller MBs than MIBC. Air/water interfacial tension and microbubble zeta potential measurements indicated that the generation of MBs by MIBC and DF250 was primarily controlled by their ability in reducing surface tension. While DF250 formed premicellar aggregates at air/water interfaces and reduced surface tension significantly, MIBC only formed monolayers at air/water interfaces and reduced surface tension slightly. However, the slower adsorption of DF250 at air/water interfaces inhibited the generation of MBs to some extent. Compared with surface tension, surface charge played a secondary role in generating MBs. The adsorption of MIBC reduced the magnitude of surface charge of MBs, thus inhibiting the generation of MBs, while the adsorption of DF250 increased the magnitude of surface charge of MBs, enhancing the generation of MBs. The different behaviours of MIBC and DF250 in modifying interfacial properties and forming MBs were attributed to their unique structures. DF250 possesses a larger hydrophilic head and a longer hydrophobic chain than MIBC, and thus has a stronger ability to assist with the generation of MBs.

Mechanisms of Silicon Surface Passivation by Negatively Charged Hafnium Oxide Thin Films

We have studied the mechanisms underpinning effective surface passivation of silicon with hafnium oxide (HfO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> ) thin films grown <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">via</i> atomic layer deposition (ALD). Plasma-enhanced ALD with O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> plasma and a tetrakis(dimethylamido)hafnium precursor was used to deposit 12 nm thick HfO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> films at 200 °C on high-lifetime 5 Ωcm <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">n</i> -type Czochralski silicon wafers. The passivation was activated by postdeposition annealing, with 30 min in air at 475 °C found to be the most effective. High-resolution grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the film crystallized between 325 and 375 °C, and this coincided with the onset of good passivation. Once crystallized, the level of passivation continued to increase with higher annealing temperatures, exhibiting a peak at 475 °C and yielding surface recombination velocities of <5 cm s <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−1</sup> at 5 × 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">14</sup> cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−3</sup> injection. A steady decrease in effective lifetime was then observed for activation temperatures >475 °C. By superacid repassivation, we demonstrated this reduction in lifetime was not because of a decrease in the bulk lifetime, but rather because of changes in the passivating films themselves. Kelvin probe measurements showed the films are negatively charged. Corona charging experiments showed the charge magnitude is of order 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">12</sup> qcm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−2</sup> and that the reduced passivation above 475 °C was mainly because of a loss of chemical passivation. Our study, therefore, demonstrates the development of highly charged HfO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> films and quantifies their benefits as a standalone passivating film for silicon-based solar cells.

Deciphering electric field induced spatial pattern formation in the photosensitive chlorine-dioxide iodine malonic acid reaction and the Brusselator reaction-diffusion systems.

Reaction-diffusion systems involving ionic species are susceptible to an externally applied electric field. Depending on the charges on the ionic species and the intensity of the applied electric field, diverse spatiotemporal patterns can emerge. We here considered two prototypical reaction-diffusion systems that follow activator-inhibitor kinetics: the photosensitive chlorine dioxide-iodine-malonic acid (CDIMA) reaction and the Brusselator model. By theoretical investigation and numerical simulations, we unravel how and to what extent an externally applied electric field can induce and modify the dynamics of these two systems. Our results show that both the uni- and bi-directional electric fields may induce Turing-like stationary patterns from a homogeneous uniform state resulting in horizontal, vertical, or bent stripe-like inhomogeneity in the photosensitive CDIMA system. In contrast, in the Brusselator model, for the activator and the inhibitor species having the same positive or negative charges, the externally applied electric field cannot develop any spatiotemporal instability when the diffusion coefficients are identical. However, various spatiotemporal patterns emerge for the same opposite charges of the interacting species, including moving spots and stripe-like structures, and a phenomenon of wave-splitting is observed. Moreover, the same signand different magnitudes of the ionic charges can give rise to Turing-like stationary patterns from a homogeneous, stable, steady state depending upon the intensity of the applied electric field in the case of the Brusselator model. Our findings open the possibilities for future experiments to verify the predictions of electric field-induced various spatiotemporal instabilities in experimental reaction-diffusion systems.

Dynamic characteristics of electric charge in HoxMn1–xS

In a solid solution of HoxMn1-xS, the magnitude of the electric charge versus the voltage is investigated in a quasi-stationary electric field at frequencies of 0.003 Hz, 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz in the temperature range of 80-500 K. The temperature intervals phase synchronism of current and voltage are established. The temperatures of extremes with the maximum electric charge in the sample HoxMn1-xS are found.

Passive electrolocation in terrestrial arthropods: Theoretical modelling of location detection

The recent discovery that some terrestrial arthropods can detect, use, and learn from weak electrical fields adds a new dimension to our understanding of how organisms explore and interact with their environments. For bees and spiders, the filiform mechanosensory systems enable this novel sensory modality by carrying electric charge and deflecting in response to electrical fields. This mode of information acquisition opens avenues for previously unrealised sensory dynamics and capabilities. In this paper, we study one such potential: the possibility for an arthropod to locate electrically charged objects.We begin by illustrating how electrostatic interactions between hairs and surrounding electrical fields enable the process of location detection. After which we examine three scenarios: (1) the determination of the location and magnitude of multiple point charges through a single observation, (2) the learning of electrical and mechanical sensor properties and the characteristics of an electrical field through several observations, (3) the possibility that an observer can infer their location and orientation in a fixed and known electrical field (akin to “stellar navigation”).To conclude, we discuss the potential of electroreception to endow an animal with thus far unappreciated sensory capabilities, such as the mapping of electrical environments. Electroreception by terrestrial arthropods offers a renewed understanding of the sensory processes carried out by filiform hairs, adding to aero-acoustic sensing and opening up the possibility of new emergent collective dynamics and information acquisition by distributed hair sensors.

Viscoelastic behavior of dilute polyelectrolyte solutions in complex geometries

In this work, we develop a theoretical model describing the viscoelastic behavior of dilute polyelectrolyte (PE) solutions using Onsager’s variational principle, with the effect of the polyelectrolyte charge and solvent salinity accounted for. The PE molecules are described as finitely extensible charged dumbbells suspended in a solvent containing ionic species which screen the charged sites on the macromolecules. The performance of the model was examined and compared against experimental data in simple flows, accounting for the magnitude of charge on the PE molecules and counterion screening effects. Numerical simulations of the flow past a single cylinder and an idealized porous medium with multiple cylinders were carried out and compared to flow of uncharged polymers in the same geometries to explore the effect of intramolecular electrostatic repulsion on the flow behavior. The extra rigidity offered by the repulsion between the charged monomeric units of the PE, and screening of these charged sites by the ionic species in the solvent led to significantly different behavior in complex flows when compared to that of uncharged polymers. The normal stresses generated in a complex flow show an increase with the polyelectrolyte molecule charge density, whereas enhanced screening of the charged sites by counterions suppresses this effect, showing behavior closer to that of uncharged polymers. Drag on a cylinder placed in the flow and pressure drop across the porous geometry increased with charge density of the molecules, exhibiting rheological behavior in complex geometries not shown by their uncharged counterparts. The results show the effects of the degree of hydrolysis and solvent salinity on the flow behavior of dilute PE solutions in complex geometries and has implications for biological systems in which PE species are commonly encountered, as well as operation of industrial processes such as enhanced oil recovery, which frequently involve the flow of dilute polyelectrolyte solutions in porous media. • Macroscopic flow behavior of dilute polyelectrolyte solutions is investigated. • Onsager’s Variational Principle used for developing model from first principles. • Reformulation of charged dumbbell model for simulating flows in complex geometries. • Polyelectrolyte charge density and solvent salinity influence flow behavior. • Drag coefficients and normal stresses increase with charged nature of molecules.

Analysis of electroviscous effect and heat transfer for flow of non-Newtonian fluids in a microchannel with surface charge-dependent slip at high zeta potentials

In hydrophobic surfaces, pressure-driven flows induce electrokinetic flow retardation, where the slip length decreases due to the surface charge. In the current work, we investigate the thermal transport and fluid flow behavior of a pressure-driven flow of shear-thinning fluid with an electroviscous effect, accounting for the influence of surface charge on the slip. The electrical potential field induced in the electrical double layer (EDL), velocity, streaming potential, and temperature is obtained after solving the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations without invoking the Debye–Hückel linearization. Results are presented for a broad range of dimensionless parameters, such as surface charge-independent slip length, Debye–Hückel parameter, zeta potential, heat flux, and flow consistency index (n). The flow velocity decreases after considering the effect of surface charge on slip, and such decrement is more for lower value of n, higher magnitude of zeta potential, and thicker EDL. Moreover, for lower value of n (1/3), the alteration of the Nusselt number with the surface charge is non-monotonic, whereas it increases with the surface charge magnitude for higher value of n (1/2). Further, for lower value of n, the Nusselt number enhances by the surface charge effect on the slip, whereas, for higher value of n, the trend is the opposite. Also, there is a strong interplay of the rheology of the fluid and EDL thickness in dictating the variation of the Nusselt number.

Роберт Милликен и его роль в рождении современных радиоламп

The article focuses on the work of Harold Wilson, Robert Millikan and his students, in particular, Louis Begeman and Harvey Fletcher on determining the magnitude of an elementary electric charge. Attention is drawn to the priority of authorship in the publications of R. Millikan and H. Fletcher based on the results of joint research. A controversy was noted around the results of Millikan’s experiments to determine the electric charge of an electron. The situation with R. Millikan’s recommendation of his student Harold de Forest Arnold to the WECo research group for the development of a telephone electronic repeater is described.

Non-Faradaic Electrochemical Energy Transduction Using Catalytic Motors

Mechanical energy generated by self-powered catalytic motors encourages researchers to explore whether their dynamics can be harnessed in developing inexpensive and efficient energy transduction and storage platforms. Herein, we present a non-Faradaic electrochemical energy transduction strategy using buoyancy-driven self-propelled catalytic motors within an electrochemical setup containing a fluorinated tin oxide working electrode and a sustained salt gradient. During propulsion, the motors facilitated advective transfer of ions from the bottom of the fuel solution to the electrode and subsequent formation of an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) over it. The magnitude of EDLC charging was estimated using open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, which was found to increase with the number of motors in solution. We also observed instantaneous potential spikes over the OCP signal profile, when a motor struck the electrode surface, the frequency of which gets enhanced with the increase in motor speed through the solution. We quantify the OCP generated as a function of number of motors and composition of the fuel solution and also offer an explanation of the energy transduction mechanism in the system. It is expected that catalytic motor-assisted non-Faradaic energy generation will establish itself as an important energy harvesting pathway and when miniaturized, will open up avenues for fabricating autonomous power sources for smart sensors and other devices.

A phase field electro-chemo-mechanical formulation for predicting void evolution at the Li–electrolyte interface in all-solid-state batteries

We present a mechanistic theory for predicting void evolution in the Li metal electrode during the charge and discharge of all-solid-state battery cells. A phase field formulation is developed to model vacancy annihilation and nucleation, and to enable the tracking of the void-Li metal interface. This is coupled with a viscoplastic description of Li deformation, to capture creep effects, and a mass transfer formulation accounting for substitutional (bulk and surface) Li diffusion and current-driven flux. Moreover, we incorporate the interaction between the electrode and the solid electrolyte, resolving the coupled electro-chemical-mechanical problem in both domains. This enables predicting the electrolyte current distribution and thus the emergence of local current 'hot spots', which act as precursors for dendrite formation and cell death. The theoretical framework is numerically implemented, and single and multiple void case studies are carried out to predict the evolution of voids and current hot spots as a function of the applied pressure, material properties and charge (magnitude and cycle history). For both plating and stripping, insight is gained into the interplay between bulk diffusion, Li dissolution and deposition, creep, and the nucleation and annihilation of vacancies. The model is shown to capture the main experimental observations, including not only key features of electrolyte current and void morphology but also the sensitivity to the applied current, the role of pressure in increasing the electrode-electrolyte contact area, and the dominance of creep over vacancy diffusion.

Quasinormal modes of nonlinearly charged black holes surrounded by a cloud of strings in Rastall gravity

In this paper, we obtain the black hole solution for the Ayón-Beato–García (ABG)-type black hole surrounded by a cloud of strings in Rastall gravity and calculate the scalar quasinormal modes of it for a massless scalar field. To have a better visualization of the results, we also introduce a new nonlinear electrodynamic source and obtain a black hole solution surrounded by a cloud of strings in the Rastall gravity. We see that the quasinormal modes are affected by the type of nonlinear electrodynamic sources in case of higher magnitudes of charge [Formula: see text]. With increase in the magnitude of charge [Formula: see text], gravitational waves decay rapidly for the new black hole solution, while for the ABG black hole, the decay rate increases initially and finally starts to decrease near to [Formula: see text]. We also study the impact of the cloud of strings and other model parameters, including the Rastall parameter on the quasinormal modes for both of the black holes. The gravitational waves decay slowly with increase in the cloud of strings parameter for both of the black holes. Dependency of quasinormal modes on the Rastall parameter is different from a surrounding dark energy field and the decay of gravitational waves may be slow or rapid depending on the value of this parameter.

Facile synthesis methodology and characterization studies of silica‐decorated hybridized anisotropic nanotubes and nanosheets

Carbonaceous nanomaterials and their derivatives have been inspired tremendous enthusiasm in the scientific community. They have been excogitated as the encouraging attributes and the qualified dispersed phase to develop multi‐functional composites. Particularly, graphene and carbon nanotube (anisotropic fillers) have gained substantial research interest owing to their promising characteristics. This highlights an innovative technique to synthesize hybridized nanotube and nanosheet. Initially, parent materials have been synthesized: The pristine CNT has been modified by acid mixture solution, and reduced graphene oxide has been prepared by chemical reduction method. Henceforth, the self‐assembly in situ sol–gel technique has been endorsed here. The synthesized nanohybrids have been characterized by different spectroscopic techniques: FTIR, Raman, UV, and XPS to confirm the attachment of multifunctionalities; meanwhile, the composition and stability have been investigated from XRD and TGA plots. The magnitude of surface charge and particle size distribution have been evaluated for the parent and hybridized products; further, morphology of all the samples has been authenticated from FESEM and TEM.

Analysis of Ionic Domain Evolution on a Nafion-Sulfonated Silica Composite Membrane Using a Numerical Approximation Model Based on Electrostatic Force Microscopy.

It is important to characterize the proton transport mechanisms of proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used to characterize the ionic structures of membranes. In this study, we attempted to quantitatively analyze the proton conductivity enhancement of Nafion-sulfonated silica (SSA) composite membranes with variations in the ionic channel distribution. This study involved several steps. The morphology and surface charge distribution of both membranes were measured using EFM. The measured data were analyzed using a numerical approximation model (NAM) that was capable of providing the magnitude and classification of the surface charges. There were several findings of ionic channel distribution variations in Nafion-SSA. First, the mean local ionic channel density of Nafion-SSA was twice as large as that of the pristine Nafion. The local ionic channel density was non-uniform and the distribution of the ionic channel density of Nafion-SSA was 23.5 times larger than that of pristine Nafion. Second, local agglomerations due to SSA were presumed by using the NAM, appearing in approximately 10% of the scanned area. These findings are meaningful in characterizing the proton conductivity of PEMs and imply that the NAM is a suitable tool for the quantitative assessment of PEMs.