Hydrogenated Side Chain Functionalized Polynorbornene Anion Exchange Polymers as Membrane Materials for Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Fuel Cells

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

This invention covers water-insoluble polymer membranes made from a new class of hydrogenated polynorbornene-based copolymers with functional groups attached to their side chains. These membranes act as anion exchange membranes (AEMs), meaning they selectively conduct negatively charged ions (hydroxide ions) rather than protons. The hydrogenation of the polynorbornene backbone improves the chemical and thermal stability of the material. These membranes are designed for use in alkaline electrochemical devices such as water electrolyzers, fuel cells, and flow batteries.

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• Alkaline water electrolysis systems for green hydrogen production, where the membrane separates electrode compartments while conducting hydroxide ions.
• Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity under alkaline conditions without requiring platinum-group metal catalysts.
• Redox flow batteries using alkaline electrolytes, where the membrane controls ion transport between the anolyte and catholyte compartments.
• Electrodialysis or ion separation processes requiring stable, water-insoluble anion-selective polymer membranes.
• Coating applications (per CPC C09D 165/00) where the functionalized polynorbornene polymer is applied as an ionomer layer on electrode surfaces in electrochemical cells.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• The hydrogenated polynorbornene backbone provides significantly enhanced chemical stability in strongly alkaline environments compared to non-hydrogenated or aromatic-backbone AEM polymers.
• Side-chain functionalization decouples the ion-conducting groups from the polymer backbone, reducing backbone degradation and improving long-term membrane durability.
• Water insolubility of the membrane material ensures dimensional stability and prevents dissolution during operation in aqueous alkaline electrolytes.
• The norbornene-based copolymer platform allows precise tuning of ion exchange capacity and mechanical properties through controlled copolymer composition.
• Compatibility with alkaline operating conditions enables the use of non-precious metal catalysts in fuel cells and electrolyzers, reducing overall system cost.
• The material's versatility across multiple electrochemical applications — electrolysis, fuel cells, and flow batteries — broadens its commercial relevance.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to water-insoluble polymer membranes (AEM) based on novel side-chain functionalized copolymers based on hydrogenated polynorbornenes and their use as alkaline anion exchange membrane materials, for example in alkaline water electrolyzers, fuel cells or flow batteries.