# Improving Interfacial- and Confined State-Ionic Conductivity via Manipulating Interfacial Chemistry and New Design of Ionomers

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE) · $600,000

## Abstract

PART 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Electrochemical cells are key components of modern technologies. However, their performance is often limited by how effectively protons move through ultra-thin polymeric layers inside these devices. This project will explore new strategies to enhance proton flow by controlling how polymers sit and interact with underlying surfaces. By selectively positioning the polymers on electrodes, the research aims to influence the magnitude and direction of ionic movement near polymer-electrode interfaces, which can in turn improve the efficiency of devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries. In parallel, the project will support education and workforce development by engaging students from middle school through graduate levels in hands-on STEM activities, training K-12 teachers through virtual workshops, making classroom learning more curiosity-driven and engaging, and strengthening energy education across Nebraska. These efforts will help cultivate a skilled, future-ready energy-STEM workforce.


PART 2: TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This project will investigate the confinement- and interface-driven limitations of proton conduction in sub-micron ionomer films used in electrochemical cells. The approach will leverage interfacial chemical modifications and new ion-conducting polymer synthesis approaches to enable fundamental understanding, precise control, and enhancement of interfacial ion-conduction processes. Notably, depth-resolved proton co

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2520078
- **Awardee organization:** University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HTQ6K6NJFHA6
- **PI:** Shudipto K Dishari
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, Sustainable Materials, Energy Storage or Transmission, Nanomaterials, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $600,000
- **Funds obligated:** $600,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2520078

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2520078, Improving Interfacial- and Confined State-Ionic Conductivity via Manipulating Interfacial Chemistry and New Design of Ionomers. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2520078. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*