Anion Exchange Polymer Synthesis Without Alkyl Halides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of alkyl halides in producing anion exchange polymers is expensive and hazardous, necessitating the development of alternative methods for creating anion exchange polymers with superior properties.
Innovation Solution
Anion exchange polymers are synthesized by reacting a tertiary amine with an acid inhibitor and a polyepoxide to form a quaternary ammonium monomer, which is then polymerized in the presence of a catalyst, eliminating the need for alkyl halides and resulting in chemically resistant and non-fouling materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alkyl halides are used to quaternize anion exchange polymer, then quaternization reaction can proceed, but the process becomes expensive and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful alkyl halide component from the quaternization process, replacing it with alternative reagents such as epoxides or carbon dioxide that achieve the same quaternization function without the associated hazards and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive, readily available reagents like epoxides or carbon dioxide in place of expensive alkyl halides, using consumable materials that are economically viable and environmentally friendly while maintaining effective quaternization of the tertiary amine groups
2Reliability
If conventional quaternization methods are used, then anion exchange functionality is achieved, but chemical resistance and non-fouling properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the quaternization process by using different reagents (epoxides, carbon dioxide) and controlling reaction conditions to produce quaternary ammonium groups with enhanced chemical resistance and non-fouling characteristics while preserving anion exchange functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite polymer structures combining the polymer backbone with specifically designed quaternary ammonium groups that exhibit both anion exchange capability and improved chemical stability, resulting in materials with superior overall performance
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
This method produces anion exchange polymers that are chemically resistant and non-fouling, offering improved performance without the hazards and costs associated with alkyl halides, while maintaining effective ion exchange functionality.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing the quaternary ammonium monomer in the presence of a catalyst
Implementation Method 2
The ion exchange functionality operates to transport one type of ion across the material in an electric field, while substantially or effectively blocking most ions of the opposite polarity
Data Source
AI summary
A novel anion exchange polymer is provided. A method of making the anion exchange polymer includes reacting a tertiary amine, an acid inhibitor and a polyepoxide to form a quaternary ammonium monomer and polymerizing the quaternary ammonium monomer in the presence of a catalyst. The exchange polymer is prepared without using alkyl halides and can be used to make improved ion exchange materials that are chemically resistant and non-fouling.