Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Fuel Cell Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymer electrolyte membranes used in fuel cells suffer from reduced chemical and mechanical durability due to deterioration and desorption when subjected to gas pressure during fuel cell operation, leading to decreased energy conversion efficiency and increased resistance loss.

Innovation Solution

A polymer electrolyte membrane is designed with a composite structure, featuring a first segment with high durability and a second segment with enhanced chemical durability, achieved by using a second ionomer with a higher equivalent weight than the first ionomer, particularly at the gas inlet and/or gas outlet regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the film thickness of the fluorine-based ion conductor is increased to reinforce mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but resistance loss is increased and economical efficiency is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidresistance loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining fluorine-based ion conductor and hydrocarbon-based ion conductor in a layered configuration. The fluorine-based layer provides chemical durability and ion conductivity, while the hydrocarbon-based layer provides mechanical strength, achieving both goals without increasing thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte membrane is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a fluorine-based ion conductor layer for chemical stability and ion transport, and a hydrocarbon-based ion conductor layer for mechanical reinforcement. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the film thickness of the fluorine-based ion conductor is increased to reinforce mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but economical efficiency is lowered due to increased material cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure allows using less expensive hydrocarbon-based ion conductor for mechanical reinforcement instead of increasing the amount of expensive fluorine-based ion conductor material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrocarbon-based ion conductor is specifically applied in regions requiring mechanical strength (such as gas inlet/outlet regions), providing localized reinforcement without unnecessarily increasing material costs across the entire membrane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a fluorine-based ion conductor is used alone to ensure high ion conductivity, then hydrogen ion conductivity is maintained, but chemical durability is lowered due to deterioration and desorption under gas pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical durabilityVSAvoiddeterioration and desorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of fluorine-based and hydrocarbon-based ion conductors creates a synergistic effect where the fluorine-based layer resists chemical degradation and the hydrocarbon-based layer provides structural stability against gas pressure, preventing deterioration and desorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrocarbon-based ion conductor layer is pre-applied to the fluorine-based ion conductor to provide mechanical support before the membrane is subjected to gas pressure during fuel cell operation, preventing deterioration in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 proposed solution effectively improves the chemical and mechanical durability of the polymer electrolyte membrane, reducing hydrogen ion conductivity loss and enhancing the fuel cell's performance and lifespan by suppressing deterioration reactions.

Implementation Method 1

using a second ionomer having a relatively higher EW than that of a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first ionomer in a portion corresponding to the gas inlet and/or gas outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical durability enhancement through ionomer selection:

Implementation Method 2

a composite layer containing a first ionomer filled in the porous support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorous support structure filling: Porosity

Implementation Method 3

the generated hydrogen ions are transferred to the cathode through the polymer electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12334613B2Polymer electrolyte membrane, membrane-electrode assembly comprising same, and fuel cell

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 KOLON INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

A polymer electrolyte membrane having improved chemical or mechanical durability is provided. The present disclosure relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane, and the polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure comprises a porous support and a composite layer containing a first ionomer filled in the porous support, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a first segment having a first durability and a second segment having a second durability, and the first durability is higher than the second durability.