Ionic Liquid Bonded Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for High-Temperature Fuel Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen-conductive polymer technologies face challenges with long-term stability and durability due to factors like carbon monoxide pollution, heat and water control complexities, and moisture issues, especially at high temperatures, leading to mechanical strength and conductivity problems in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
A polymer electrolyte membrane is developed by chemically bonding an ionic liquid with a novel polymer chain terminal, specifically using a block copolymer with a fluorine-containing anion and imidazolium salt cation, which forms nanostructures that enhance hydrogen ionic conductivity and electro-chemical and thermal stability in anhydrous/high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If operating temperature of PEFC is increased to reduce carbon monoxide pollution, then carbon monoxide pollution decreases to ignorable level, but water evaporates and humidification control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the electrolyte from water-based to ionic liquid-based, which has a boiling point above 200°C. This parameter change allows the fuel cell to operate at elevated temperatures (60-200°C) without water evaporation issues, thereby reducing carbon monoxide pollution while maintaining simple humidification control since the ionic liquid does not evaporate like water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ionic liquids as a substitute (copy) for water in the electrolyte system. Ionic liquids replicate the essential function of water as a hydrogen conductor and electrolyte medium while possessing superior thermal stability and non-volatility, thus eliminating the need for complex water management systems at high temperatures
2Ease of manufacture
If aromatic polyether is used as electrolyte to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but performance degrades at high temperature due to water evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining ionic liquids with polymer matrices (such as aromatic polyether). This composite structure retains the cost advantage of aromatic polyether while the ionic liquid component provides high-temperature stability and prevents performance degradation through its non-volatile properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition by introducing ionic liquids with boiling points above 200°C into the aromatic polyether system. This parameter change in the electrolyte's thermal stability allows the fuel cell to maintain high performance at elevated temperatures without the water evaporation problems that plague conventional aromatic polyether electrolytes
3Reliability
If nitrogen-containing compound is soaked in polymer electrolyte membrane to improve conductivity, then hydrogen conductivity increases, but mechanical strength decreases and compound leaks during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by chemically bonding ionic liquids to the polymer chain terminals during the membrane fabrication process, rather than soaking nitrogen-containing compounds after membrane formation. This pre-bonding approach ensures the ionic liquid remains permanently attached to the polymer structure, maintaining mechanical strength while providing sustained high-temperature conductivity without leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ionic liquids as intermediary substances that are chemically grafted onto the polymer chain terminals. These ionic liquid-functionalized polymer chains act as intermediaries that simultaneously provide high hydrogen conductivity through their ionic groups and maintain mechanical strength through the covalent bonding to the polymer backbone, preventing the leakage issues associated with physically soaked compounds
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 achieves high hydrogen ionic conductivity and excellent electro-chemical and thermal stability, even at high temperatures, while maintaining mechanical strength, and can be applied to high-temperature and dry-out bio fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
polymer electrolyte membrane bonded with an ionic liquid by chemical reaction of the ionic liquid with a novel polymer chain terminal
Implementation Method 2
it has been found that various nano structures are formed according to a molecular weight of a polymer and a type and a relative content of a soaked ionic liquid
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen conductive polymers have been widely studied for use in a polymer exchange fuel cell (PEFC)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a polymer electrolyte membrane chemically bonded with an ionic liquid. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a polymer electrolyte membrane chemically bonded with an ionic liquid by reacting the ionic liquid with a novel polymer chain terminal. The polymer electrolyte membrane described herein has a high hydrogen ionic conductivity, even in a high-temperature and anhydrous environment. Additionally, the membrane displays electro-chemical and thermal stability. Moreover, the polymer electrolyte membrane may also be applied to a high-temperature and dry-out bio fuel cell.