Amino-Functionalized Block Copolymer Membranes for Ion Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) lack optimal dimensional stability, water transport properties, and selective ion transport capabilities, limiting their effectiveness in electrically driven water separation processes.

Innovation Solution

Development of block copolymers functionalized with amino groups or onium salt groups, specifically designed with 'hard' end blocks and 'soft' interior blocks, utilizing a monomeric pathway for precise control over molecular weight and quaternization, to create membranes with enhanced mechanical strength and ion exchange properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional anion exchange membranes are used, then basic ion exchange function is provided, but dimensional stability and selective ion transport capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidselective ion transport capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into distinct hard blocks and soft blocks, where hard blocks provide dimensional stability and structural integrity, while soft blocks provide ion exchange functionality. This segmentation allows each block to independently contribute its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the membrane polymer have different properties: hard blocks with high glass transition temperatures provide rigidity and dimensional stability in specific regions, while soft blocks with low glass transition temperatures provide flexibility and ion transport channels in other regions, creating local quality differentiation throughout the membrane structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If hard blocks with high glass transition temperature are incorporated, then dimensional stability is improved, but membrane brittleness may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidmembrane toughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane combines hard blocks and soft blocks into a unified copolymer structure where the hard blocks provide dimensional stability and the soft blocks provide toughness and flexibility. The merging of these contrasting block types creates a synergistic effect where the overall membrane exhibits both rigidity and ductility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane functions as a composite material system at the molecular level, with hard blocks acting as rigid structural elements and soft blocks acting as flexible matrix material, creating a composite structure that exhibits properties superior to either block type alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If soft interior blocks are used, then membrane flexibility is improved, but mechanical strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into load-bearing hard blocks and flexibility-providing soft blocks, allowing the soft blocks to contribute to flexibility without bearing the primary mechanical loads, which are handled by the hard blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical strength and flexibility are localized to different block regions: hard blocks are positioned to provide structural support and mechanical strength, while soft blocks are positioned to provide flexibility and ion transport pathways, with each block type optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 functionalized block copolymers exhibit improved dimensional stability, selective anion transport, and controlled water transport, making them suitable for high-performance AEMs in electrically driven water separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

block copolymers functionalized in at least one interior block by amino groups, or corresponding onium salt groups, and optionally additional hetero atoms, which exhibit anion exchange properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon Exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

block copolymers prepared from amine-functionalized monomers... specifically designed with 'hard' end blocks and 'soft' interior blocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase Separation:

Implementation Method 3

functionalized block copolymers exhibit extraordinary properties with regard to dimensional stability, water transport and selective ion transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle Formation:

Data Source

PatentEP2975071B1Block copolymers, their manufacture and their use

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 KRATON POLYMERS US LLC

AI summary

A process for preparing an amino- functionalized block copolymer in an inert hydrocarbon solvent and in the presence of an initiator comprising: (a) polymerizing an end block A, (b) polymerizing an interior block B, the B block having a Tg of at most 20°C; (c) polymerizing a block D from a plurality of p-vinylbenzylamino derivative monomers, other than 4-vinylbenzylpiperidine, the p-vinylbenzylamino derivative monomers capable of being polymerized at a temperature range of from 20°C to 60°C; thereby forming a block polymer or a living block polymer comprising the blocks A, B and D. An anionic exchange membrane.