Multilayer Composite Electrolyte Membrane for Low Resistance and Gas Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis technologies face challenges in achieving durable membranes with reduced thickness, high ionic conductivity, and dimensional stability, while maintaining low hydrogen gas permeability and reproducibility, especially for large-area applications.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer reinforced composite electrolyte membrane is developed with a porous support impregnated by an ionomer, where thin ionomer layers (1-25 μm thick) are formed on both sides of the support, stacked, and processed using heat and pressure to enhance mechanical and electrochemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the electrolyte membrane is increased to prevent hydrogen gas penetration, then hydrogen gas permeability is reduced, but membrane resistance increases and electrochemical performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite membrane structure combining a porous support layer (providing mechanical strength and low hydrogen permeability) with a thin ionomer layer (providing ionic conductivity). This composite approach allows the membrane to achieve both low hydrogen gas permeability and high electrochemical performance by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials in a layered configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thin ionomer layer (1-25 μm) only where ionic conductivity is needed, while the bulk of the membrane thickness is occupied by a porous support layer that provides mechanical strength and hydrogen barrier properties. This localized functional distribution optimizes both hydrogen permeability and electrochemical performance without requiring the entire membrane to be thick.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the electrolyte membrane is reduced to improve electrochemical performance, then membrane resistance decreases and current density increases, but mechanical strength is compromised and hydrogen gas permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines a porous support layer with high mechanical strength and low hydrogen permeability with a thin ionomer layer providing ionic conductivity. This allows the membrane to maintain adequate mechanical strength and hydrogen barrier properties even when the total thickness is reduced to 27-95 μm, while still achieving high electrochemical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent localizes the ionomer material to a thin layer (1-25 μm) sufficient for ionic conduction, while the porous support layer provides the mechanical backbone. This localized approach minimizes the thickness required for electrochemical function while relying on the support layer for mechanical integrity.
3Reliability
If electrospinning technique is used to improve ionic conductor impregnation uniformity, then hydrogen ion conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and large area production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electrospinning process and replaces it with a simpler dip-coating or roll-coating method for applying the ionomer layer. The porous support layer is first prepared separately, then the ionomer layer is applied in a controlled manner through coating techniques that are more suitable for large-area, continuous production while still achieving uniform impregnation and good ionic conductivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a thick electrolyte membrane is prepared to ensure low hydrogen permeability, then hydrogen gas permeability is reduced, but current density decreases and large area production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The composite membrane structure separates the functions of hydrogen barrier and ionic conduction into different layers. The porous support layer provides the hydrogen barrier function, while the thin ionomer layer provides ionic conduction. This allows the membrane to achieve low hydrogen permeability without requiring excessive thickness, thereby maintaining high current density and facilitating large-area production.
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 solution provides improved mechanical properties, reduced membrane resistance, and stable dimensional integrity, enabling efficient hydrogen production with maintained ionic conductivity and low hydrogen gas permeability, even after multiple cycles of water electrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
a porous support impregnated with an ionomer
Implementation Method 2
processed using heat and pressure to enhance mechanical and electrochemical properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multilayer reinforced composite electrolyte membrane and a method for manufacturing the same. The multilayer reinforced composite electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure has sufficient mechanical properties and improved membrane resistance at the same time since a porous support is impregnated in an ionomer and it is stacked in a multilayer structure. Furthermore, since the composite electrolyte membrane has no wrinkles and cracks due to excellent dimensional stability, it can improve the electrochemical properties of batteries.