Ion Conductive Polymer Separator With High Conductivity and Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion exchange membranes face challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, which are crucial for long-term use in applications such as water treatment and energy industries.
Innovation Solution
Development of an ion conductive polymer with a repeating unit that includes a specific polymer structure, synthesized under mild acidic conditions, incorporating quaternary ammonium and ether groups, which enhances ionic conductivity and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ion exchange membranes are used, then basic ion transport function is achieved, but ionic conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the polymer by introducing quaternary ammonium groups with specific alkyl chain lengths (R1, R2, R3) and configuring the repeating unit structure (Formula 1) to optimize ionic conductivity. The parameters a (1-3), R1 (1-10 carbon atoms), R2 (1-10 carbon atoms), and R3 (1-20 carbon atoms) are systematically varied to achieve the target ionic conductivity range of 40-80 mS/cm while maintaining manufacturability through controlled polymerization reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining quaternary ammonium cations with specific anions (B−) in a defined repeating unit (Formula 1). This composite approach integrates multiple functional components - the quaternary ammonium group for ion conduction, the anion for charge balance, and the organic groups R1-R3 for structural stability - into a single polymer architecture that achieves both high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength.
2Reliability
If ion exchange membrane is designed for high ionic conductivity, then ion transport efficiency improves, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the ionic conduction function in specific regions - the quaternary ammonium groups and associated counterions - while maintaining a robust polymer backbone structure (with R1, R2, R3 organic groups) that provides mechanical strength. The repeating unit structure (Formula 1) creates localized ionic channels surrounded by mechanically strong polymer matrices, allowing simultaneous optimization of both ionic conductivity (40-80 mS/cm) and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts structural parameters including the length and composition of organic groups (R1: 1-10 carbon atoms, R2: 1-10 carbon atoms, R3: 1-20 carbon atoms) to balance ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. By controlling these molecular parameters within specific ranges, the polymer achieves optimal combination of ion transport capability and structural integrity for long-term use.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If ion exchange membrane is used for long-term operation, then service duration increases, but chemical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs quaternary ammonium groups, which are known for their chemical stability and resistance to degradation. The specific structure with saturated alkyl groups (R1, R2, R3) and the repeating unit configuration (Formula 1) creates a polymer that resists chemical attack, oxidation, and hydrolysis, enabling long-term operational stability in various electrochemical environments without compromising composition integrity.
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 ion conductive polymer exhibits ionic conductivity ranging from 40 mS/cm to 80 mS/cm, improving the performance of separators in devices like water electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, fuel cells, and vanadium flow batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The ion exchange membrane is a membrane having an ion exchange function for a specific ion, which is a type of high efficiency separator. When introducing an ion exchange membrane into an electrolyte solution and applying a current thereto, functional groups having positive or negative charges on pore walls of the membrane attract only specific ions having opposite charges into the pores of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The specific ions that have been bound to the functional groups of the membrane pass through the membrane by continuously repeating the binding and dissociation with the functional groups
Implementation Method 3
A monomer having a benzene ring in which at least one alkoxy group is substituted is prepared. The monomer reacts with an aldehyde under mild acidic conditions to obtain a precursor polymer. A quaternary ammonium group is introduced into the precursor polymer to synthesize an ion conductive polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an ion conductive polymer including a repeating unit of formula 1.wherein in Formula 1, A+ is quaternary ammonium, B+ is an anion, a is an integer of 1 to 3, R1 is an organic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R2 is H or an organic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R3 is an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which includes at least one of an alkylene group or an arylene group, and Ar is a benzene ring.