Porous, conductive metallic nanostructures are required in several fields, such as energy conversion, low-cost sensors etc. This thesis reports on the development of an electrocatalytically active and conductive membrane for use in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and fabrication of low-cost substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). One of the main challenges facing large-scale deployment of PEMFCs currently is to fabricate a catalyst layer that minimizes platinum loading, maximizes eletrocatalytically active area, and maximizes tolerance to CO in the feed stream. Modeling the kinetics of platinum catalyzed half cell reactions occurring in a PEMFC using the kinetic theory of gases and incorporating appropriate sticking coefficients provides a revealing insight that there is scope for an order of magnitude increase in maximum current density achievable from PEMFCs. To accomplish this, losses due to concentration polarization in gas diffusion layers, which occur at high current densities, need to be eliminated. A novel catalyst design, based on a porous metallic nanostructure, which aims to overcome the limitations of concentration polarization as well as minimize the amount of platinum loading in PEMFCs is proposed. Fabrication steps involving controlled in-plane fusion of self-assembled arrays of core-shell gold-platinum nanoparticles (Au@Pt) is envisioned. The key steps involved being the development of a facile synthesis route to form Au@Pt nanoparticles with tunable platinum shell thicknesses in the 5 nm size range, the formation of large-scale 2D arrays of Au@Pt nanoparticles using guided self-assembly, and optimization of an RF plasma process to promote in-plane fusion of the nanoparticles to form porous, electrocatalytically active and electrically conductive membranes. This thesis consists of seven chapters. The first chapter provides an introduction into the topic of PEMFCs, some perspective on the current status of research and development of PEMFCs, and an outline of the thesis. The second chapter provides an overview on the methods used, characterization techniques employed and protocols followed for sample preparation. The third chapter describes the modelling of a PEMFC using the Kinetic theory of gases to arrive at an estimate of the maximum feasible current density, based on the kinetics of the electrocatalytic reactions. The fourth chapter presents the development of a simple protocol for synthesizing Au@Pt nanoparticles with control over platinum shell thicknesses from the sub monolayer coverage onwards. The results of spectroscopic and microscopic characterization establish the uniformity of coating and the absence of secondary nucleation. Chapter five describes the formation of a nanoporous, electrocatalytically active membrane by self-assembly to form bilayers of 2D arrays of Au@Pt nanoparticles and subsequent fusion using an RF plasma based process. The evolution of the electrocatalytic activity and electrical conductivity as a function of the duration of RF plasma treatment is monitored for Au@Pt nanoparticles with various extent of platinum coating. Spectroscopic, microscopic, electrical and cyclic voltammetry characterization of the samples at various stages were used to understand the structural evolution with RF plasma treatment duration and discussed. Next durability studies were carried out on the nanoporous, Au@Pt bilayer nanoparticle array with an optimum composition of Pt/Au atomic ratio of 0.88 treated to 16 minutes of argon plasma exposure. After this the novel catalyst membrane design of PEM fuel cell is revisited. Two different techniques are proposed so that the thin, nanoporous, metallic catalyst membrane achieves horizontal electronic resistance equivalent to that of the conventional gas diffusion layer with catalyst layer. The first technique proposes the introduction of gold coated polymeric mesh in between the thin, nanoporous, metallic catalyst membrane and bipolar plate and discusses the advantages. Later the gold coated polymeric mesh is introduced in a conventional membrane electrode assembly and efficiency of the polarization curves probed with and without the introduction of gold coated polymeric mesh. The second technique describes the results of fabrication of a nanoporous metallic membrane using multiple layers of 2D Au@Pt nanoparticle arrays at an optimum composition of Pt/Au atomic ratio of 0.88 to reduce the horizontal electronic resistance. Preliminary studies on the permeability of water through such membranes supported on a porous polycarbonate filter membrane are also presented. In chapter six, a simple reactive inkjet printing process for fabricating SERS active silver nanostructures on paper is presented. The process adapts a simple room temperature protocol, using tannic acid as the reducing agent, developed earlier in our group to fabricate porous silver nanostructures on paper using a commercial office inkjet printer. The results of SERS characterization, spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations of the samples and the comparison of the substrate’s long-term performance with respect to a substrate fabricated using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent is discussed. Preliminary findings on attempts to fabricate a conductive silver network using RF plasma induced fusion area also presented. Chapter seven provides a summary of the results, draws conclusions and a perspective on work required to accomplish the goals of incorporating the porous metallic nanostructures into PEMFCs.

Aujourd’hui, la recherche sur les technologies de stockage d’énergie connaît un essor important dû au fort développement de l’électronique portable et des modes de transport écologiques. La plupart des batteries commercialisées utilisent des électrolytes liquides ou à base de liquides qui limitent leur stabilité thermique, la densité d’énergie et la sécurité. Ces limitations pourraient être considérablement diminuées par l’utilisation d’électrolytes polymères solides (SPE) et la technologie lithium métal polymère (LMP). L’objectif des SPE est de combiner au sein du même matériau une conductivité ionique élevée et une tenue mécanique suffisante pour éviter la formation de dentrites de lithium. Dans ce contexte, les copolymères triblocs PS-b-POE-b-PS, avec le POE comme bloc conducteur et le bloc PS apportant la résistance mécanique, sont d’excellents candidats. Afin d’établir des corrélations composition/morphologie/performance, le but de mes travaux de thèse est d’obtenir une caractérisation détaillée des copolymères à blocs synthétisés. Ainsi, les PS-b-POE-b-PS synthétisés (NMP) ont été analysés par chromatographie liquide aux conditions limites de désorption LC LCD. De plus, les analyses de la nano structuration (AFM, TEM et SAXS), des propriétés thermiques (DSC) et mécaniques (DMA) sont discutées. Enfin, des mesures d’impédance ont été effectuées via des cellules symétriques Lithium/ Electrolyte/ Lithium. / The research on electrochemical storage of energy is today in a stage of fast and profound evolution owing to the strong development of portable electronics requesting power energy as well as the requirement of greener transport modes. Most commercial batteries use liquid or liquid-based electrolytes, which limits their thermal stability, energy density and safety. These limitations could be considerably offset by the use of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) and lithium metal polymer technology (LMP). However, the main drawback of the SPE is the decrease of the ionic conductivity with increasing mechanical strength, necessary to avoid the formation of lithium dendrites during the recharge of the battery. In this context, triblock copolymers PS-b-PEO-b-PS with a PEO block as ionic conductor and PS block providing mechanical strength was a promising candidate as SPE. In order to build composition/morphology/performance relationships, the aim of my PhD is to characterize carefully the block copolymer. For that purpose, the PS-b-PEO-b-PS synthesized (NMP) were characterized using Liquid Chromatography under Limiting Conditions of Desorption (LC LCD). Furthermore, analyses of morphologies and nano-structure by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) techniques, analyses of thermal (DSC) and mechanical (DSC) properties will be also discussed. Finally, measures of impedance were made via symmetric cells Lithium / Electrolyte / Lithium.

Les travaux de thèse présentés dans ce manuscrit portent sur le développement nouveaux électrolytes sans recours aux solvants conventionnels inflammables afin de répondre à la problématique de sécurité des batteries. La première partie de ce travail vise à développer des électrolytes gélifiés à partir de liquide ionique phosphonium. Une étude est réalisée sur la compatibilité entre l'électrolyte et le polymère hôte époxy/amine ainsi que de l'influence du LI sur la polymérisation du réseau. Les propriétés thermiques, viscoélastiques et de transport ionique des gels sont discutées. Parmi les électrolytes gélifiés obtenus, le gel contenant l'électrolyte (1 M LiTFSI + LI [P66614][TFSI]) a montré des propriétés électrochimiques intéressantes. Un système gélifié Li|LFP a été mis en œuvre et une bonne stabilité en cyclage à 100 °C a été obtenue. La deuxième partie de ce travail consiste au développement de nouveaux électrolytes mésomorphes favorisant un transport d’ions lithium par saut. Un composé anionique a été synthétisé à partir d’une réaction époxy/amine entre le 4-amino-1-naphtalènesulfonate de lithium et un diglycidylether aliphatique. Différentes techniques de caractérisation ont été utilisées afin d’établir un lien structure/propriétés. Les résultats ont permis de mettre en évidence une organisation supramoléculaire lamellaire permettant d’obtenir des canaux de conduction d’ions lithium. Les mesures de transport ionique ont permis de mettre en évidence un transport d'ions lithium suivant une loi d'Arrhenius (indépendant du squelette moléculaire) ce qui est la preuve d'un mécanisme de transport d'ions lithium par saut. Les premiers tests électrochimiques ont révélé une bonne stabilité de ces électrolytes vis à vis du lithium et un transport d’ions lithium réversible dans une cellule symétrique Li|Li. A l'issue de ces travaux, les perspectives sont discutées afin d'améliorer les performances de ces électrolytes. / The thesis work presented in this manuscript focuses on the development of new electrolytes without the use of flammable conventional solvents to improve the security problem batteries. The first part of this work is the preparation of gelled electrolytes from phosphonium ionic liquid. A study is performed on the compatibility between the electrolyte and the polymer host epoxy / amine as well as the influence of the polymerization LI on the network. The thermal properties, and ionic transport viscoelastic gels are discussed. Among the obtained gelled electrolyte, the gel containing the electrolyte (1 M LiTFSI + LI [P66614] [TFSI]) showed interesting electrochemical properties. A gelled system Li | LFP has been implemented and good cycling stability at 100 ° C was obtained. The second part of this work is the development of new liquid crystal electrolytes promotes transport of lithium ions with hopping mechanism. An anionic compound was synthesized from reaction of an epoxy / amine from lithium 4-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonate and an aliphatic diglycidyl ether. Various characterization technical were used to establish a link structure / properties. The results allowed to show a lamellar supramolecular organization to obtain lithium ion conduction channels. The ion transport measurement helped to highlight a transport of lithium ions following an Arrhenius law (independent of the molecular backbone) which is evidence of a transport mechanism of lithium ions with hopping mechanism. The first electrochemical tests showed good stability of these electrolytes with lithium electrode and a reversible lithium ion transport in a symmetrical cell Li | Li. Following this work, the prospects are discussed to improve the performance of these electrolytes.

Fuel cell systems are becoming more commonplace as a power generation method and are being researched, developed, and explored for commercial use, including portable fuel cells that appear in laptops, phones, and of course, chargers. This thesis examines a model constructed on inspiration from the myFC PowerTrekk, a portable fuel cell charger, using COMSOL Multiphysics, a finite element analysis software. As an educational tool and in the form of zero-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional models, an investigation was completed into the geometric construction, air conditions and compositions, and product materials with a best case scenario completed that summarizes the results identified. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that polyoximetylen and high-density polyethylene were considered as possible materials for the majority of the product, though a more thorough investigation is needed. Air flow of above 10 m/s, air water vapour mass fraction below 50% and initial temperature between 308K and 298K was considered in this best scenario. Suggestions on future expansions to this project are also given in the conclusion.