Fluorinated Ion Exchange Resin Fluid Process for Wrinkle-Free Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The durability of polymer electrolyte membranes and catalyst layers in fuel cells is compromised by organic impurities, leading to swelling and wrinkle formation when immersed in aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions, which affects adhesion and gas leakage, resulting in inadequate power generation.
Innovation Solution
A process involving hydrogen peroxide treatment of fluorinated ion exchange resin powders or pellets, followed by acid-form conversion and mixing with a solvent to create a fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid, which is then used to form membranes and catalyst layers, reducing wrinkle formation and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the polymer electrolyte membrane is immersed in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution to decompose organic impurities, then the durability is improved, but the membrane undergoes swelling and wrinkle formation which deteriorates adhesion and causes gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the membrane from solid to gel state during the hydrogen peroxide treatment process. By converting the membrane to a gel state, it prevents swelling and wrinkle formation while still allowing the decomposition of organic impurities, thus maintaining durability without the adverse shape changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by forming a gel matrix within the membrane using hydrogen peroxide treatment. This gel composite structure maintains the membrane's integrity and prevents wrinkle formation while enabling effective decomposition of organic impurities, resolving the contradiction between durability improvement and shape stability
2Reliability
If the polymer electrolyte membrane is immersed in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, then organic impurities are decomposed, but the adhesion to the catalyst layer becomes incomplete leading to gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter to gel state during treatment, which prevents the membrane from shrinking or deforming. This maintains the complete adhesion to the catalyst layer while still enabling effective decomposition of organic impurities, thus improving durability without compromising adhesion quality
3Reliability
If the polymer electrolyte membrane is dried after immersion in aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, then the treatment is complete, but wrinkles are likely to be formed on the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from solid to gel state during the entire treatment and drying process. The gel state maintains structural integrity during drying, preventing wrinkle formation while allowing complete decomposition of organic impurities, thus achieving both durability improvement and surface smoothness
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 process produces membranes and catalyst layers with improved durability and reduced wrinkle formation, leading to enhanced power generation properties in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
decompose such organic substances by immersing a polymer electrolyte membrane made of a fluorinated ion exchange resin having acid-form cation exchange groups, in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution
Implementation Method 2
If the polymer electrolyte membrane is immersed in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the polymer electrolyte membrane undergoes swelling by water
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a process for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane having good durability and few wrinkles, a polymer electrolyte membrane capable of forming a catalyst layer, or a catalyst layer; a process for producing a fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid, or a paste for forming a catalyst layer, which can be used for such a forming process; and a process for producing a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having good durability and power generation properties. A fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid obtained by subjecting a powder or pellets of a fluorinated ion exchange resin having cation exchange groups to hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by mixing with a solvent, is used.