Hybrid Fluoropolymer Electrolyte Membranes Without Solvent Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for manufacturing fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composites for electrochemical cells require processing solvents that need to be evaporated, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks due to explosive atmosphere concerns, particularly under ATEX Directive regulations.
Innovation Solution
A process that dissolves fluoropolymers in a liquid medium without using processing solvents, allowing for the formation of a fluoropolymer electrolyte membrane through reactions with metal compounds, eliminating the need for a drying step and avoiding hazardous solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If processing solvents are used to dissolve fluoropolymers, then the fluoropolymer can be properly processed and formed into a membrane, but the solvents need to be evaporated by drying which is inconvenient and poses safety risks due to explosive atmosphere concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the liquid medium from conventional volatile organic solvents to ionic liquids, which have negligible vapor pressure and do not form explosive atmospheres. This parameter change eliminates the safety hazard while maintaining the ability to dissolve fluoropolymers and enable membrane formation through sol-gel reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying steps by using ionic liquids that can be directly processed into membranes without evaporation. The ionic liquid medium serves its purpose during processing and can be removed or retained based on application requirements, avoiding the harmful byproduct of solvent evaporation
2Ease of manufacture
If processing solvents are used to dissolve fluoropolymers, then the fluoropolymer can be properly processed, but the solvents need to be evaporated by drying which increases process complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful and time-consuming drying step from the manufacturing process by using ionic liquids as the processing medium. The ionic liquid allows direct formation of the membrane structure through sol-gel reactions without requiring subsequent evaporation, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with drying
Solution Approach 2:
The use of ionic liquids enables continuous processing where the membrane formation and solvent removal (if needed) can occur in a more integrated manner. The ionic liquid medium maintains the fluoropolymer in solution during the sol-gel reaction and can be directly converted to the final membrane form without interrupting the process for drying
3Quantity of substance
If conventional solvents are used, then fluoropolymer dissolution is achieved, but the solvents interfere with the reaction between hydroxyl groups of fluoropolymer and hydrolysable groups of metal compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary medium that simultaneously dissolves the fluoropolymer and facilitates the sol-gel reaction between hydroxyl groups and metal compounds. The unique properties of ionic liquids, including their high polarity and ability to stabilize transition states, enable them to mediate both dissolution and reaction processes without interference
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 enables the production of fluoropolymer electrolyte membranes without the need for solvent evaporation, improving process safety and efficiency while maintaining membrane performance, specifically in secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides in the presence of pre-formed organic polymers can be properly controlled to obtain hybrid organic/inorganic polymer composites
Implementation Method 2
the hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides in the presence of pre-formed organic polymers can be properly controlled to obtain hybrid organic/inorganic polymer composites
Implementation Method 3
dissolving i) at least one fluoropolymer in ii) at least one liquid medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a fluoropolymer electrolyte membrane comprising a fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composite for an electrochemical cell, to a polymer electrolyte membrane obtainable by the process and films and membranes thereof and to an electrochemical cell comprising the polymer electrolyte membrane between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The present invention also relates to the use of the polymer electrolyte membrane obtainable by the process according to the present invention in an electrochemical device, in particular in secondary batteries.