Organic-Inorganic Complex Proton Conductor for High-Temperature Fuel Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells face challenges in maintaining proton conductivity under non- or low-humidified and high temperature conditions, as conventional electrolyte membranes are volatile and require alternatives like heterocyclic compounds that need to be fixed to maintain fluidity and proton flow.

Innovation Solution

The development of organic/inorganic complex proton conductors, comprising an inorganic ion conductor represented by Formula 1 (M1-aNaP2O7) and a hydrocarbon polymer, which provides high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range by forming a stable proton pathway medium, even under non- or low-humidified conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heterocyclic compounds are used as alternatives to water in electrolyte membranes for high temperature operation, then the fuel cell can operate at high temperatures, but the heterocyclic compound becomes volatile and loses fluidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidfluidity of heterocyclic compound

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines organic heterocyclic compounds with inorganic materials to create a composite electrolyte membrane. This composite structure allows the organic component to provide proton conduction pathways while the inorganic component provides thermal stability and prevents volatilization, enabling high-temperature operation without loss of fluidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the heterocyclic compound by incorporating it into a solid matrix or forming complexes with inorganic materials. This changes the volatility parameter while maintaining proton conductivity, allowing the system to operate at elevated temperatures without the compound evaporating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heterocyclic compounds are directly fixed to polymer electrolyte membrane, then proton conductivity is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproton conductivityVSAvoidmembrane structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heterocyclic compound with the polymer electrolyte membrane into a single integrated structure. Rather than treating them as separate components requiring assembly, the heterocyclic species are incorporated into the membrane matrix itself, simplifying the overall system while maintaining proton conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional electrolyte membranes are used under non- or low-humidified conditions, then water is available for proton conduction, but the membranes lose effectiveness at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater content for proton conductionVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the proton conduction mechanism from water-based (in conventional membranes) to a mechanism based on heterocyclic compound pathways. This parameter change allows proton conduction to occur without relying on water, enabling operation under non- or low-humidified high-temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables fuel cells to operate stably with high proton conductivity and resistance stability over time, eliminating the need for liquid mediums like water and preventing catalyst poisoning, while maintaining mechanical strength and simplifying the fuel cell system by removing the need for humidifying devices.

Implementation Method 1

it is very important to develop proton conductors that conduct protons under non- or low-humidified and high temperature conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProton conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the heterocyclic compound needs to be directly fixed to a polymer electrolyte membrane for use in fuel cells at high temperatures in order to maintain the fluidity and flow of protons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProton conduction through polymer matrix: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8906560B2Organic/inorganic complex proton conductor, electrode for fuel cell including organic/inorganic complex proton conductor, electrolyte membrane for fuel cell including organic/inorganic complex proton conductor, and fuel cell including organic/inorganic complex proton conductor

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are provided which display high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range. Electrodes for fuel cells which include the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are also provided. The invention also advantageously provides electrolyte membranes for fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors, and fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors.