Anion-Conducting Membrane Chemistry for Low Swelling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative compounds suitable for the production of anion-conducting polymers that offer high mechanical stability, low swelling characteristics, and high anion conductivities.
Innovation Solution
The development of compounds containing specific spiro or piperidine structural units, which are used to create anion-conducting membranes through a process involving reaction steps with specific reagents and conditions, such as the use of iodomethane as a methylating agent and K2CO3 in an inert gas atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional highly fluorinated polymer backbones are used for anion-conducting membranes, then chemical stability is improved, but mechanical stability and dimensional stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polyfluorinated polymer backbones with spiro-piperidine side chains containing quaternary ammonium groups. This composite structure integrates the chemical stability of fluorinated polymers with the mechanical strength and alkali resistance provided by the rigid spiro-piperidine units, resolving the contradiction between chemical and mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by introducing spiro-piperidine structural units at specific positions on the polymer backbone. These localized rigid aromatic structures with quaternary ammonium groups provide enhanced mechanical stability and dimensional stability in critical regions while maintaining the overall chemical stability of the fluorinated backbone.
2Reliability
If porous films are impregnated with monomer mixtures and thermally polymerized, then anion conductivity can be improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the polyfluorinated polymer backbone with pendant halogen groups before introducing the spiro-piperidine side chains. This staged approach allows for controlled formation of ion-conducting groups while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, avoiding the need for complex in-situ polymerization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary approach by employing halogen-containing monomers as intermediates during polymerization. These halogen groups serve as reactive sites that facilitate subsequent substitution reactions with spiro-piperidine compounds, enabling controlled introduction of ion-conducting groups without requiring complex multi-step polymerization processes.
3Reliability
If polymer membranes are designed for high ion conductivity, then swelling increases, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating spiro-piperidine units with rigid aromatic backbones into the polymer structure. This composite architecture provides a stiff, dimensionally stable framework that restricts swelling while maintaining channels for ion transport, thereby achieving high anion conductivity without sacrificing mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the polymer structure to include rigid spiro-piperidine units with specific molecular geometry. These structural parameters are optimized to create a balance between free volume for ion transport and structural rigidity to prevent excessive swelling, maintaining both conductivity and mechanical stability.
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 resulting membranes exhibit high mechanical stability, low swelling, and high anion conductivities, making them suitable for use in electrochemical processes such as electrolysis, electrodialysis, and fuel cell technology.
Implementation Method 1
the use of iodomethane as a methylating agent
Implementation Method 2
K2CO3 in an inert gas atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides compounds, especially polymeric compounds, having preferably at least one spiro or piperidine structural unit, a process for preparation thereof and the use thereof as anion conducting membrane.