Multilayer thin films for the construction of active repulsive hydrogen barriers†
Abstract
An active repulsive hydrogen (H2) barrier thin film (ARHB-tfilm) was fabricated by layer-by-layer (LbL), spin and plasma sequential coatings on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film. Protons generated by the reduction of H2 on the palladium nanolayer can be trapped in the proton-rich Nafion region by the electrical repulsive force formed at the interface of the positively charged polymer nanolayer. The multilayer ARHB-tfilms showed a significant improvement in hydrogen gas barrier properties.