Ion Exchange Resin Crosslinked Structure for Electrodialysis Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrodialysis systems face issues with membrane swelling and deformation due to excessive ion introduction, leading to reduced desalination efficiency and water leakage, which compromises the performance and lifespan of ion exchange membranes.

Innovation Solution

Development of an ion exchange resin with a crosslinked structure formed by reacting an epoxy resin with an ionic monomer or polymer having sulfonate ions, combined with a crosslinking agent, to create a network structure that enhances chemical resistance and reduces swelling, suitable for use in electrodialysis membranes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more ions are introduced to the membrane to maintain high-performance electrochemical properties of the EDR system, then the electrochemical performance is improved, but the membrane swells excessively, loses strength, and shows poor chemical resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochemical performanceVSAvoidmembrane strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the membrane by incorporating epoxy resin (15-25 parts by weight) and ionic compounds with sulfonate ions (40-80 parts by weight) in specific ratios, creating a crosslinked structure that maintains electrochemical performance while reducing excessive swelling and improving chemical resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite membrane material combining epoxy resin and ionic compounds with sulfonate ions to form a crosslinked network structure. This composite structure provides both the electrochemical performance needed for EDR operation and the mechanical strength to resist excessive swelling and chemical degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If more ions are introduced to the membrane for EDR operation, then ion transport capability is improved, but the membrane swells and deforms, causing water leakage and reduced desalination efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion transport capabilityVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the membrane's chemical composition by introducing epoxy resin and ionic compounds with sulfonate ions in optimized ratios, creating a crosslinked structure that maintains ion transport capability while preventing excessive swelling and deformation that would compromise dimensional stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing the membrane to swell freely with ion introduction, the patent uses crosslinking to invert the expected behavior - the membrane structure is designed to resist swelling while still permitting necessary ion transport for EDR operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Power

If a salt solution is used to maintain ion balance in the EDR system, then electrical field effectiveness is improved, but the membrane experiences excessive swelling and deformation over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical field effectivenessVSAvoidmembrane lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the membrane's chemical structure parameters by incorporating epoxy resin and ionic compounds with sulfonate ions in specific proportions, creating a crosslinked network that maintains electrical field effectiveness while extending membrane lifespan through reduced swelling and improved chemical resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies crosslinking beforehand to create a protective network structure that cushions against the harmful effects of ion-induced swelling and chemical degradation, preventing membrane deformation and extending operational lifespan before these problems can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 resulting ion exchange resin films exhibit excellent chemical resistance, low swellability, and improved desalination efficiency, preventing deformation during operation and extending the lifespan of electrodialysis modules.

Implementation Method 1

an ion exchange resin with a crosslinked structure formed by reacting an epoxy resin with an ionic monomer or polymer having sulfonate ions, combined with a crosslinking agent, to create a network structure that enhances chemical resistance and reduces swelling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions) in the water are separated through the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

Under the influence of an external electric field, the movement of ions in the water is driven by a positive direct current and a negative direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS11642631B2Ion exchange resin and method for preparing the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.09 IND TECH RES INST
  • US11642631B2 patent drawing
  • US11642631B2 patent drawing
  • US11642631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ion exchange resin and a method for preparing the same are provided. An ion exchange resin is formed by a composition, and the composition includes a crosslinking agent and an ionic compound with sulfonate ions. The ionic compound with sulfonate ions is formed by reacting an epoxy resin with an ionic monomer with sulfonate ions or an ionic polymer having sulfonate ions. The ionic monomer and the ionic polymer each has a hydroxyl group or an acid group at the ends. The ionic monomer or the ionic polymer is 40 to 80 parts by weight, and the epoxy resin is 15 to 25 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the ion exchange resin. An ion exchange resin with a network structure is formed after the ionic compound with sulfonate ions reacts with the crosslinking agent.