Acrylamide Copolymer Membranes for Electrolysis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymer-electrolyte-membrane-based electroreduction technologies face challenges with degradation due to exposure to ionic species, limiting their application in processes like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide electrolysis.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel (meth)acrylamide polymers with a specific molar ratio of acrylamide and hydrophobic moieties, optionally with crosslinkers, which exhibit tolerance to ionic species, enabling their use in electrolysis applications without degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymer-electrolyte-membranes are used in electrolysis, then ion conductivity is achieved, but degradation occurs due to exposure to ionic species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining acrylamide monomers with hydrophobic monomers to create copolymers that integrate both hydrophilic regions (for ion conduction) and hydrophobic regions (for structural stability and resistance to ionic degradation). This composite structure allows the membrane to maintain reliability while resisting harmful effects from ionic species exposure during electrolysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the molar ratio of acrylamide to hydrophobic monomer, crosslinker concentration, and polymerization conditions to optimize the membrane's chemical and mechanical stability. By adjusting these parameters, the membrane achieves enhanced resistance to degradation from ionic species while maintaining necessary ion conductivity for electrolysis applications.
2Ease of operation
If acrylamide polymers are used in basic environments, then ion conduction is enabled, but hydrolysis of amide groups causes functionality loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating hydrophobic monomers alongside acrylamide units in the copolymer structure. The hydrophobic segments provide chemical stability and resistance to base-catalyzed hydrolysis, while the acrylamide segments maintain ion conduction capability. This composite architecture enables the polymer to function in basic electrolysis environments without losing amide group functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct micro-environments within the polymer structure where acrylamide units are localized in hydrophilic domains (enabling ion conduction) while hydrophobic units form stable matrices (resisting hydrolysis). This spatial differentiation allows the polymer to simultaneously achieve ion conduction and compositional stability in basic conditions.
3Strength
If crosslinkers are added to improve mechanical stability, then structural integrity increases, but polymerization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the crosslinker concentration to specific ranges (typically 0.1-5 wt% of total monomer mass) and adjusting crosslinker reactivity parameters to achieve adequate mechanical stability without excessive crosslinking. This controlled parameter adjustment provides mechanical strength while keeping the polymerization process manageable and avoiding gelation or excessive viscosity issues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymers demonstrate stability in basic environments and mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability over long durations, allowing for effective use in electrolysis of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water, facilitating the transportation of ionic species across electrochemical cells.
Implementation Method 1
separated by a membrane to provide selective ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
the novel (meth)acrylamide polymers prepared according to embodiments of the present invention show a tolerance to ionic species during electrolysis
Implementation Method 3
conversion of water, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide and/or carbonate ions (CO32−) or bicarbonate ions (HCO3−), and/or nitrogen-containing compounds
Implementation Method 4
drive oxidation and reduction reactions of reactant fluids
Implementation Method 5
drive oxidation and reduction reactions of reactant fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Polymers and membranes with acrylamide moieties are disclosed herein. A disclosed copolymer includes first repeat units of an acrylamide moiety and second repeat units of a hydrophobic moiety. The molar ratio of second repeat units:first repeat units is between 0.8:1 to 2.5:1 based on a molar ratio of the respective monomers in a production feed. The disclosed copolymer can also include a crosslinker. The amount of cross-linker in a corresponding monomer feed is 0 to 1 mol %, based on the total monomer in the production feed.