Composite Anion Exchange Membrane With Nanosheet Oxidation Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anion exchange membranes (AEMs) face challenges with oxidation resistance and durability, particularly in alkaline environments, leading to rapid degradation and short operating life in fuel cells and electrolyzers, despite advancements in ionic conductivity and chemical stability.

Innovation Solution

A composite anion exchange membrane structure is developed, incorporating an inorganic nanosheet laminar layer on one or both sides of a polymeric AEM, using materials like ZrP nanosheets or LDH nanosheets, which provide enhanced chemical and thermal stability and act as a 'firewall' against oxidative attacks, combined with an oxidation-resistant polymer binder layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If hydrocarbon polymer-based AEMs are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but oxidation stability deteriorates leading to fast degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidoxidation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining hydrocarbon polymer-based AEM with inorganic nanosheets (such as metal phosphates, metal dichalcogenides, or carbon-based nanosheets) to create a composite membrane structure. This composite approach allows the membrane to maintain the low cost and good ionic conductivity of hydrocarbon polymers while the inorganic nanosheets provide enhanced oxidation stability and chemical durability, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and oxidation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If AEMs are used in water electrolyzers for oxygen evolution reaction, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but oxidation stability deteriorates due to severe oxidative conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful oxidative environment into a beneficial condition by selecting inorganic nanosheets with high oxidation resistance (such as metal phosphates, metal dichalcogenides, or carbon-based nanosheets) that not only withstand but thrive in the oxidative conditions of oxygen evolution reaction. These nanosheets transform the severe oxidative environment from a degradation source into a stable operating condition, maintaining high productivity while improving oxidation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If thin membrane structure is used to reduce resistance, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials where inorganic nanosheets are integrated into the polymer matrix to create a composite membrane with optimized thickness. The nanosheets provide mechanical reinforcement through their high strength-to-thickness ratio, allowing the membrane to maintain low thickness for good ionic conductivity while the nanosheet network provides the necessary mechanical strength and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the mechanical reinforcement function in specific regions where nanosheets are distributed within the membrane structure. The nanosheets are strategically positioned to provide localized mechanical support in areas experiencing high stress, while maintaining overall membrane thinness for optimal ionic conductivity in regions where ion transport is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 composite membrane exhibits significantly improved oxidation resistance and durability, with reduced weight loss under oxidative stress, extending the lifespan of AEMs in applications such as AEMFCs and AEM electrolyzers.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating an inorganic nanosheet laminar layer on one or both sides of a polymeric AEM... which provide enhanced chemical and thermal stability and act as a 'firewall' against oxidative attacks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier effect:

Implementation Method 2

The composite membrane exhibits significantly improved oxidation resistance and durability, with reduced weight loss under oxidative stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12046785B2Systems including ion exchange membranes and methods of making the same

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 BETTERGY CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and membranes involving ion exchange membranes are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, an ultrathin laminar layer made of inorganic nanosheets may be coated on one side or both sides of a polymeric anion exchange membrane (AEM), forming a composite AEM. Oxidation stability measurements may indicate that composite AEM provide superior oxidation resistance to exemplary polymeric AEMs and to commercial polymeric AEMs.