Modification of PTFE particles towards anion conducting properties

The objective of this master¿s thesis was to functionalise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles towards anion conducting properties for the use as a binder material in anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis cells. The functionalisation of PTFE particle surfaces was divided into three process stages: the activation of the surface, the introduction of amino (NH2) groups to the activated surface and the quaternisation of the NH2 groups. After each individual process stage the PTFE particles were analysed with an X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) to determine the surface composition. Within the scope of this thesis, the activation of the PTFE particle surface via hydrogen (H2) plasma and the introduction of NH2 groups via silanisation or ammonia (NH3) plasma have proven to be successful, whereas the quaternization requires further investigation. The findings presented within this thesis provide a crucial foundation for further research into the functionalisation of PTFE particles to achieve the required properties for AEM water electrolysis cells.