Comb Polymer Membrane for Decoupled Ion Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membranes for selective substance transport, such as in energy converters and filtration, are limited by their pore structure, which couples ion conductivity with air permeability, leading to inefficiencies and unwanted substance transfer, and lack decoupling of water vapor transport directionality.
Innovation Solution
A membrane with a porous substrate and a comb polymer having a polymer main chain and lateral chains with Lewis-acid and/or Lewis-base functionality, allowing for ion-conductive paths independent of pore size and structure, enabling decoupled ion conductivity and air permeability, and directional water vapor transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membranes have a porous structure to enable ion transport, then ion conductivity is improved, but air permeability increases leading to unwanted substance transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous substrate structure to enable ion transport while maintaining mechanical stability. The pores provide pathways for ion conduction without compromising the overall integrity of the membrane, allowing selective transport while preventing unwanted substance transfer through the bulk material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure combining a porous substrate with a comb polymer coating. This composite approach allows the porous substrate to provide ion conductivity while the comb polymer layer with Lewis acid/base functionalities provides selectivity, preventing unwanted substance transfer through the membrane.
2Reliability
If membranes have large pore sizes to ensure high ion conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but gas separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional properties of different layers. The porous substrate provides ion conductivity with larger pores, while the comb polymer coating layer provides gas separation selectivity with its molecular-scale Lewis acid/base sites, allowing each layer to optimize its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transport mechanism parameter from purely physical pore-based transport to chemical interaction-based transport through Lewis acid/base functionalities. This allows ion conductivity to be maintained while gas separation is achieved through molecular recognition rather than physical size exclusion.
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 achieves high ion conductivity and mechanical stability with independent control over substance transport properties, preventing undesired substance passage and enabling efficient energy storage and filtration while ensuring gas-tightness and directional water vapor transport.
Implementation Method 1
wherein at least one of the several lateral chains has at least one Lewis-acid and/or Lewis-base functionality
Implementation Method 2
During passive transport, the substances are transported in the direction of the potential gradient. The transport speed of the substances to be separated is influenced, among other things, by their mobility in the membrane.
Implementation Method 3
In the case of carrier transport, an additional binding of the transported substance to a free carrier or to a carrier bonded to the membrane is effected.
Implementation Method 4
In the case of active transport, a chemical reaction also enables the transport of substances counter to the potential gradient.
Implementation Method 5
Water vapor-permeable membranes are used for humidifying substances—in particular, gases—in humidification modules. In this, as a rule, the membranes shall selectively prevent gas leakage, but nevertheless enable water permeability.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane for selective transport of substances includes: a porous substrate with a comb polymer. The comb polymer contains a polymer main chain and several lateral chains covalently bonded to the polymer main chain. At least one of the several lateral chains has at least one Lewis-acid and/or Lewis-base functionality.