Cross-Linked Fluorinated Ionomer Membrane for Fuel Cell Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perfluorinated sulfonic acid proton exchange membranes face issues with mechanical strength, size stability, chemical stability, and high permeability, particularly at elevated temperatures, which affect the efficiency and longevity of proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
A composite material is developed by grafting fluorine-containing polymer fibers with ion exchange resins, forming a triazine ring cross-linked structure to enhance mechanical properties and ion exchange capacity, while incorporating high valence metal compounds for additional stability and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes are used for proton exchange, then good proton conductivity and chemical stability at low temperature are achieved, but mechanical strength and size stability deteriorate due to weak structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining perfluorinated sulfonic acid ion exchange resin with reinforcing fibers (glass fiber, basalt fiber, or organic fiber) to create a composite membrane structure. The fiber reinforcement provides mechanical strength and size stability while the ion exchange resin maintains proton conductivity and chemical stability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.
2Strength
If porous medium is added to increase membrane strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but proton conductivity deteriorates due to reduction of proton conduction pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing reinforcing fibers within the membrane structure rather than uniformly distributing porous material. The fibers are embedded in specific regions to provide mechanical strength while leaving proton conduction pathways intact, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and proton conductivity through localized reinforcement.
3Strength
If reinforcement material is added to improve membrane strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function with the membrane formation process by simultaneously incorporating fibers and ion exchange resin in a single composite structure. This integration eliminates separate reinforcement steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining improved mechanical strength through the combined fiber-resin composite architecture.
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 material achieves improved mechanical strength, air tightness, and ion exchange capacity, reducing gas permeability and maintaining high conductivity even at elevated temperatures, thus enhancing the performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ion exchange resin comprises nitrile group which forms triazine ring cross-linked structure with the nitrile group of the grafted functional monomer in fluorine-containing polymer fiber
Implementation Method 2
part of acid exchange groups in ion exchange resin form physical bonds in between, while part of high valence metal compounds which are also catalysts of forming triazine ring cross-linked structure form complexing bond with the triazine ring
Implementation Method 3
the disclosed composite material turns into a close integral structure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a composite which is comprised of one or more ion exchange resin(s) and fluorine containing polymer fiber, wherein the fiber and the film-forming resin form a triazine-ring crosslinked structure, so that the film prepared from the composite is of good airtightness and stability, as well as high ion exchange capacity and high conductivity. The preparation method of the composite, the product prepared from this composite and the use thereof are also provided.