Bipolar Membrane Cation Exchange Layer Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipolar membranes lack improved permselectivity, low electrical resistance, and mechanical strength, especially at extreme pH levels, and are not efficiently or cost-effectively produced.
Innovation Solution
A membrane comprising an anion exchange layer (AEL) and a cation exchange layer (CEL) formed from specific curable compositions, including compounds of Formula (I) and ethylenically unsaturated groups, with optional components like solvents and initiators, which are cured to provide high crosslinking density and stability, and optionally supported by a porous structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bipolar membranes are used, then basic structure is provided, but permselectivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the membrane by incorporating specific compounds (Formula I with sulfonate groups) and controlling crosslinking density through curing processes. This achieves high permselectivity by modifying the chemical composition and functional groups of the membrane material while maintaining manufacturability through established polymerization and curing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite membrane structure combining organic polymer matrices with inorganic crosslinking agents and functional sulfonate groups. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (ion transport, mechanical strength, chemical stability) into a single membrane system, achieving high permselectivity without excessive manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional bipolar membranes are used, then basic ion transport is enabled, but electrical resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces electrical resistance by changing the physical and chemical parameters of the membrane: increasing crosslinking density through controlled curing, optimizing functional group concentration (sulfonate groups from Formula I), and adjusting polymer matrix composition. These parameter changes enhance ion conductivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard polymer processing and curing methods.
3Reliability
If conventional bipolar membranes are used, then basic mechanical support is provided, but mechanical strength at extreme pH is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining chemically resistant polymer matrices with crosslinked networks and stable sulfonate functional groups. This composite structure provides exceptional mechanical strength and chemical stability at extreme pH levels while using commercially available polymers and standard crosslinking procedures, avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating crosslinked regions and functional groups in specific areas of the membrane structure where mechanical strength and chemical resistance are most needed. This localized optimization provides extreme pH stability without requiring complete restructuring of the entire membrane, maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Productivity
If production speed is increased, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but quality control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-formulating compositions with exact stoichiometric ratios of compounds (Formula I, crosslinking agents, initiators) before manufacturing. This pre-preparation ensures consistent reaction outcomes and membrane properties during high-speed production, maintaining quality control while increasing productivity through efficient batch or continuous processing.
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 enhanced permselectivity, low electrical resistance, and mechanical strength, with improved durability in acidic and basic media, and can be produced quickly and economically.
Implementation Method 1
The —SO2X group shown in Formula (I) is convertible to an anionic group
Implementation Method 2
curing a curable composition comprising a compound of Formula (I)
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane comprising an anion exchange layer (AEL) and a cation exchange layer (CEL) wherein the CEL is obtainable by a process comprising curing a curable composition comprising a compound of Formula (I): Formula (I) wherein: X is is of the formula —OCnH2n+1 or —OCqH2q−1, wherein n has a value of of 1 to 6 and q has a value of 5 or 6; and m has a value of 1 or 2.