The synthesis and characteristics of polymer nanoballs by plasma polymerization cooperating with DC plasma sputtering technique

Abstract Multi-composition of the polymer nanoball carrying sulfonic acid groups, silicon oxide and pyridine groups with diameter of ∼ 25 nm was made from a plasma polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid cooperating with direct current (DC) plasma sputtering of methyl etheneyl silicone rubber in a low-frequency after-glow capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharge apparatus. It is concluded that the size and composition of the core-polymerized polymer nanoball can be controlled by altering the partial pressure ratio of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and 2-vinylpyridine. Pyridine groups tethered to the polymer backbone can act as a medium through the basic nitrogen for transfer of protons between the sulfonic acid groups of proton exchange membrane, and a polymeric form of silicon oxide in polymer nanoball can improve water retention. Thus, doping these polymer nanoballs into polymer membranes as a proton transport facilitator for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells seems promising.