Co-continuous Ion Exchange Membrane for Water Dissociation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion exchange membranes and bipolar membranes face challenges in achieving high permselectivity, low electrical resistance, good mechanical strength, and stability at extreme pH conditions, while also being produced efficiently and cost-effectively.
Innovation Solution
A membrane structure comprising a first layer with ionic groups of opposite polarity, a second layer with the same polarity as the third layer, and a third layer with a co-continuous polymeric network of ionic groups and pores, where the third layer is interposed between the first and second layers, and the third polymer is obtained through phase separation of a curable composition, enhancing the contact area and adhesion between the polymeric domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a porous support is used to provide mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but the membrane structure becomes more complex and production becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical support function and the ion-exchange function into a single integrated membrane structure. The copolymer matrix serves both as the structural framework providing mechanical strength and as the medium containing the ion-exchange groups, eliminating the need for separate porous support layers and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite copolymer material where hydrophilic monomers provide ion-exchange capability and hydrophobic monomers provide structural integrity. This composite approach allows the membrane to achieve both mechanical strength and ion-exchange functionality within a single phase-separated matrix without requiring additional support structures.
2Strength
If the contact area between polymeric domains is increased to improve adhesion, then adhesion strength is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the volume fraction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases within specific ranges (10-90% for hydrophilic, 10-90% for hydrophobic) to optimize the interfacial contact area between domains. By adjusting these compositional parameters during a single polymerization process, the membrane achieves optimal adhesion strength without complex multi-step manufacturing procedures.
3Reliability
If a co-continuous polymeric network with phase separation is created to increase contact area between ionic groups, then permselectivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates both hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers into a single copolymer composition before polymerization, establishing the phase-separated morphology during the initial polymerization process. This preliminary arrangement of phases ensures proper contact between ionic groups and maintains permselectivity without requiring subsequent complex processing steps to achieve phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the volume fraction of hydrophilic monomers (10-90%) in the copolymer composition to regulate the extent of phase separation and the resulting morphology. By adjusting this single compositional parameter, the membrane achieves the desired co-continuous network structure with adequate ionic group contact for high permselectivity while maintaining manufacturability.
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 membrane design increases the dissociation of water molecules into H+ and OH- ions, improving productivity and preventing ion recombination, while providing strong adhesion and mechanical strength, thus addressing the limitations of existing membranes.
Implementation Method 1
the third polymer is obtainable by a process comprising phase separation of the third polymer from a curable composition used to prepare the third polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane comprising: a) a first layer comprising a first polymer or a fourth polymer having ionic groups of polarity opposite to the polarity of the ionic groups of the third polymer; b) a second layer comprising a second polymer having ionic groups of polarity the same as the polarity of the ionic groups of the third polymer; and c) a third layer comprising a co-continuous polymeric network of (i) a third polymer having ionic groups and a network of pores; and (ii) a fourth polymer having ionic groups of polarity opposite to the polarity of the ionic groups of the third polymer; wherein layer c) is interposed between layer a) and layer b) and the third polymer is obtainable by a process comprising phase separation of the third polymer from a curable composition used to prepare the third polymer.