Material, Process for Producing a Material, Membrane and Use of a Membrane

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a novel material, particularly suited as a membrane for direct alcohol fuel cells, comprising at least two different types of ionomer chains. One ionomer type has acidic functional groups, while another has basic or quaternary functional groups. These chains are first ionically cross-linked to minimize fuel crossover, and then further covalently cross-linked through (per)fluoroaromatic compounds for enhanced chemical stability. The method enables creation of thin, robust membranes that outperform standard Nafion membranes in stability and selectivity.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in direct alcohol fuel cells, such as direct methanol or direct isopropanol fuel cells (DMFCs/DIFCs)
• Membranes for electrochemical devices requiring high chemical stability and low fuel crossover
• Components in electrodes as catalyst layers for alcohol fuel cells
• Other membrane-based electrochemical applications involving aggressive solvents or secondary alcohols

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduced fuel and byproduct crossover, leading to higher fuel cell efficiency
• Enhanced chemical stability against alcohols and their oxidation products, thereby increasing membrane and device lifespan
• Ability to make thinner membranes while maintaining mechanical and chemical integrity, resulting in improved performance and reduced costs
• Greater stability compared to conventional Nafion membranes, especially under challenging fuel cell operating conditions
• Potential for improved power densities due to higher selectivity and reduced losses in fuel cells

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a material, containing multiple, in particular exactly two, different types of ionomer chains, wherein one type of ionomer chain contains acidic functional groups and another type of acidic ionomer chains contains other functional groups, in particular basic functional groups or quaternary functional groups, wherein the different types of ionomer chains are ionically cross-linked with one another. The invention also relates to a method for producing a material comprising the following steps: providing a starting material containing multiple, in particular exactly two, different types of ionomer chains, wherein the different types of ionomer chains are ionically cross-linked with one another and contain or are coupled to perfluoro-aromatic compounds in at least one type of ionomer chain; covalently cross-linking the ionomer chains via these perfluoro-aromatic compounds.