Scientists have unveiled an exciting new advancement in hydrogen ion barrier films made from graphene oxide (GO) without internal pores. This pioneering method could lead to major improvements in protective coatings for various uses.
A research team from Kumamoto University, spearheaded by Assistant Professor Kazuto Hatakeyama and Professor Shintaro Ida from the Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials, has revealed a significant breakthrough in the development of hydrogen ion barrier films using a new type of graphene oxide (GO) that is free of internal pores. This inventive technique has the potential to create remarkable improvements in protective coatings across different sectors.
During their research, the team successfully created a thin film utilizing a newly developed form of graphene oxide that does not feature pores. Historically, graphene oxide has been prized for its high ionic conductivity, making it difficult to utilize as an effective ion barrier. However, by removing internal pores, the researchers generated a material with substantially enhanced properties for blocking hydrogen ions.
The newly developed graphene oxide film boasts barrier performance for hydrogen ions that is up to 100,000 times superior compared to traditional GO films, as indicated by results from AC impedance spectroscopy measuring out-of-plane proton conductivity. This innovation was further validated through experiments that revealed the non-porous graphene oxide coating successfully shielded lithium foil from water droplets, preventing any chemical reaction between the lithium and water.
The research also highlighted that hydrogen ions migrate through the pores in standard GO, underscoring the importance of pore removal to strengthen barrier effectiveness. This development could lead to new uses in protective coatings, corrosion resistance, and hydrogen infrastructure.
This research signifies a major stride in materials science, potentially paving the way for next-generation coatings with better protective qualities. “Looking ahead, we intend to leverage the hydrogen ion barrier capabilities for practical uses while also tackling the challenges posed by the ‘pores’ in the GO structure to unlock further functionalities,” noted Assistant Professor Hatakeyama while discussing the future direction of his research.
