Hybrid Separator Membrane Composition for Alkaline Gas Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional separators for electrolytic devices and batteries using alkaline electrolytes face issues such as energy loss due to gas penetration, short circuits from electrode penetration, and poor alkali resistance, leading to reduced efficiency and durability.

Innovation Solution

A novel composition comprising an inorganic-organic hybrid compound combined with a hydrophobic resin, which forms a non-porous membrane with excellent alkali resistance and hydroxide ion conductivity, preventing gas and ion penetration while maintaining flexibility and strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a porous sheet is used as a separator, then ion conduction is enabled, but gas penetration occurs causing energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoidseparator performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a porous membrane made of inorganic-organic hybrid compound that maintains controlled porosity for ion conduction while preventing gas penetration. The hybrid structure combines the ion-conducting properties of porous materials with the gas-barrier properties of the inorganic-organic composite, resolving the contradiction between enabling ion transport and preventing energy loss through gas leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is constructed as an inorganic-organic hybrid composite material that integrates the advantages of both material types. The inorganic component provides chemical stability and gas barrier properties, while the organic component enables ion conduction pathways, creating a separator that simultaneously achieves both functions without the drawbacks of conventional porous sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the separator is made thinner to reduce resistance, then ion conduction efficiency improves, but electrode penetration risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conduction efficiencyVSAvoidshort circuit prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The porous structure of the inorganic-organic hybrid membrane provides a three-dimensional network that maintains mechanical integrity even at reduced thickness. The interconnected porous framework distributes mechanical stresses and prevents electrode penetration while preserving efficient ion conduction pathways, enabling thin separator design without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composite nature of the separator provides enhanced mechanical strength-to-thickness ratio. The inorganic component forms a rigid scaffold that resists electrode penetration, while the organic matrix maintains flexibility and ion conductivity, allowing the separator to be made thinner for improved efficiency without increasing short circuit risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional porous sheet separator is used, then manufacturing is simple, but alkali resistance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator productionVSAvoidalkali resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic-organic hybrid compound combines the ease of processing organic polymers with the superior alkali resistance of inorganic materials. The composite structure allows the separator to be manufactured using conventional techniques while the inorganic component provides robust resistance to alkaline electrolyte degradation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 membrane effectively prevents energy loss and short circuits, maintains high alkali resistance, and ensures efficient ion conductivity, thereby enhancing the performance and durability of electrolytic devices and batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The porous sheet is provided to conduct ions through the electrolyte filled in the pores in the separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a novel membrane having excellent alkali resistance, in particular, excellent heat and alkali resistance, in particular, a membrane formed of a composition comprising an inorganic-organic hybrid compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

a composition comprising an inorganic-organic hybrid compound and a hydrophobic resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 4

The generated gas is transferred through the membrane pores, causing the problems as described above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250118863A1Composition containing inorganic-organic hybrid compound

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a novel composition, in particular, a composition comprising an inorganic-organic hybrid compound. The composition comprises an inorganic-organic hybrid compound and a hydrophobic resin, wherein the inorganic-organic hybrid compound comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin to which a metal oxide is chemically bonded.