Aqueous Copolymerization for Low Swelling Ion-Exchange Membranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing ion-exchange polymers using non-aqueous solvents result in chemical disposal issues and high costs due to petroleum-derived solvents, while existing water-soluble cross-linking agents are expensive and not environmentally friendly, and there is a need for polymers with low swelling ratios and low resistance for applications like supercapacitor electrodes.
Innovation Solution
Copolymerizing a monomer with at least two amide groups and a sulfonic acid or salt monomer in an aqueous solvent system, using free radical polymerization to create a polymer with low swelling ratio and suitable for coating electrodes to reduce resistance and increase current efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-aqueous solvents are used for polymerization, then polymerization reaction efficiency is improved, but chemical disposal problems and solvent loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from non-aqueous to aqueous medium, fundamentally altering the polymerization system to eliminate harmful organic solvent disposal issues while maintaining polymerization efficiency through water-soluble cross-linking agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, environmentally harmful petroleum-derived solvents with cheap, environmentally benign water as the reaction medium, eliminating disposal costs and environmental impact while maintaining process effectiveness
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water-soluble cross-linking agents are used, then environmental friendliness and cost are improved, but swelling ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure by combining water-soluble cross-linking agents with specific monomers (divinylbenzene, styrene, acrylic acid) to achieve a balanced material composition that provides both environmental friendliness and controlled swelling ratio through the synergistic effect of cross-linking density and polymer network structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized cross-linking through water-soluble cross-linking agents at specific concentrations and conditions to create regions of controlled cross-linking density within the polymer matrix, thereby controlling swelling behavior while maintaining overall environmental compatibility
3Productivity
If conventional polymerization methods are used, then polymer production is achieved, but resistance is high and current efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including monomer ratios, cross-linking agent concentration, pH control, and temperature to produce polymers with optimized molecular weight and cross-linking density that result in lower resistance and improved current efficiency for electrode applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic polymer network through controlled cross-linking that allows optimal ion transport pathways while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing resistance and improving electrochemical performance through the balanced flexibility and stability of the polymer matrix
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 method produces a polymer with a low swelling ratio and low resistance, enabling efficient energy transfer and reducing the environmental impact and costs associated with solvent disposal, while improving the performance of electrodes in applications such as supercapacitors.
Implementation Method 1
using free radical polymerization to create a polymer with low swelling ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided, comprising: copolymerizing a monomer comprising at least two amide groups, a monomer of formula (a)and a sulfonic acid or salt monomer, wherein R1 is CH3 or H. A polymer made by the method, a membrane and an electrode comprising the polymer are provided.