Crosslinked Anion Exchange Membrane for Conductivity and Durability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Anion exchange membranes suffer from lower ion conductivity and durability issues, hindering their commercialization in alkaline electrolysis cells due to chemical and mechanical stability challenges under basic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A novel polymer with a crosslinked structure is developed, synthesized through a series of reactions involving a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer, which enhances ion conductivity by lengthening ionic bond distances and forming nanostructures for improved ion mobility, while increasing mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anion exchange membranes are used, then basic conditions can be maintained, but mechanical stability deteriorates under basic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The triblock copolymer structure creates a composite material where the hydrophobic polystyrene blocks provide mechanical strength and structural framework, while the hydrophilic polyisoprene blocks provide flexibility and ion transport channels. This composite architecture maintains mechanical stability under basic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-organizes the polymer structure into well-defined micellar or lamellar phases during synthesis, creating predetermined ion transport pathways and mechanical frameworks before the membrane is subjected to operational stress, thereby ensuring both mechanical stability and durability from the outset
2Strength
If crosslinked structure is introduced to improve durability, then mechanical strength increases, but ion conductivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces crosslinks locally at the interfaces between hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks or within the hydrophobic domains, providing mechanical reinforcement without blocking the ion transport pathways in the hydrophilic regions. The crosslinking is spatially controlled to maintain ion conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The triblock copolymer structure naturally segments the material into discrete domains, allowing crosslinks to be confined to specific segments (hydrophobic blocks or interfaces) while leaving other segments (hydrophilic ion channels) free for ion transport, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and conductivity
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 novel polymer results in an anion exchange membrane with superior ionic conductivity and durability, reducing production costs and facilitating commercialization in electrochemical devices.
Implementation Method 1
fine phase separation is achieved through the formation of several tens of nanostructures, which facilitates the movement of ions through nanochannels
Implementation Method 2
reacting a first polymer, which is an A-B-C triblock copolymer... with a hydrogen halide to produce a second polymer... reacting a second polymer... with an alkene to produce a third polymer... and reacting a third polymer... with a diamine to produce a polymer comprising a crosslinked structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel polymer and an anion exchange membrane comprising the same and thus having improved ion conductivity and durability.