Aromatic Polymer, Method for Producing a Polymer, Membrane and Use of a Membrane

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

The invention describes a new class of aromatic polymers, especially ion-exchange polymers (anion or cation exchangers), with at least one aromatic unit in the repeating structure. Importantly, these polymers avoid having pure heteroatom bridges (such as -O-, -S-, etc.) in their main chains, which improves their chemical and mechanical stability. The polymers can be modified by incorporating various functional groups and cross-linking strategies, and are primarily intended for use as membranes in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and electrolyzers.

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

• Ion exchange membranes for fuel cells (proton exchange or anion exchange membranes)
• Battery separators and electrolytes
• Electrolysis membranes for hydrogen production or other chemical syntheses
• Membranes for water purification or desalination
• Membranes for electrochemical synthesis or industrial chemical processes
• Blended or composite membranes for advanced energy storage applications

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High chemical stability due to the absence of pure heteroatom bridges, reducing the risk of degradation.
• Improved mechanical properties (less brittleness, better processability, and higher strength for membrane formation).
• Enhanced thermal stability and ionic conductivity, tunable by side-chain and functional group modification.
• Faster and more efficient polymerization process, especially using microwave-assisted synthesis.
• Versatility: Polymers can be tailored for a wide range of ion exchange and membrane applications.
• Potential to create fluorine-free polymers for improved environmental profiles.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to an aromatic polymer, in particular an ion exchange polymer, preferably an anion exchange polymer or cation exchange polymer, which has at least one aromatic unit in its repeating unit, and wherein the polymer main chain of the polymer does not have any pure heteroatom bridges.