Electrolyte Membrane Laminate for Hydrogen Barrier and Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrogen permeation through electrolyte membranes in PEM water electrolysis systems poses safety concerns and existing fluorine-based polymer electrolytes have limitations in hydrogen-proof barrier properties and mechanical strength, with adhesiveness issues when combined with platinum group metal layers.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membrane laminate is developed, incorporating a first interlayer with polymer electrolyte and particles, and a second electrolyte membrane with transition metal particles, enhancing adhesiveness and hydrogen-proof barrier properties, and a catalyst coated configuration for improved durability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte is used, then the electrolyte membrane can be produced, but the hydrogen-proof barrier property is insufficient and mechanical strength at high temperature is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen-proof barrier propertyVSAvoidmechanical strength at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining fluorine-based polymer electrolyte with hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte in a laminated structure. The fluorine-based layer provides chemical stability and ion conductivity, while the hydrocarbon-based layer enhances mechanical strength and hydrogen barrier properties, creating a composite membrane that overcomes the limitations of single-material electrolytes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte membrane is segmented into multiple functional layers: a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte layer and a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte layer. Each layer performs specific functions - the fluorine-based layer ensures chemical stability and proton conductivity, while the hydrocarbon-based layer provides mechanical reinforcement and improved hydrogen barrier performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membrane is used, then hydrogen-proof barrier property is improved, but further reduction of hydrogen permeation to the anode is needed for safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen-proof barrier propertyVSAvoidhydrogen permeation to anode

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into multiple layers with the hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte layer providing enhanced hydrogen barrier properties, while additional functional layers address remaining permeation issues through catalytic decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of hydrogen permeation into a beneficial process by incorporating a platinum group metal-containing layer that catalyzes the decomposition of permeated hydrogen into water, transforming the safety hazard into a controlled chemical reaction that eliminates hydrogen accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides an electrolyte membrane laminate with excellent hydrogen-proof barrier properties and durability, effectively reducing hydrogen permeation and enhancing the stability and performance of the water electrolysis hydrogen generator.

Implementation Method 1

hydrogen generated permeates from a cathode to an anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen allowed to permeate and diffuse through the electrolyte membrane reacts with generated oxygen by catalysis to form water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

hydrogen allowed to permeate and diffuse through the electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20240263329A1Electrolyte membrane laminate, electrolyte membrane equipped with catalyst layer, membrane electrode conjugate, hydrolysis-type hydrogen generation device, and method for producing electrolyte membrane equipped with catalyst layer

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

An electrolyte membrane laminate including: a first electrolyte membrane having a first main surface and a second main surface; and a first interlayer and a second electrolyte membrane in this order on the first main surface of the first electrolyte membrane; wherein the first electrolyte membrane contains a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte, the first interlayer contains a polymer electrolyte and particles, and the second electrolyte membrane contains a polymer electrolyte and particles containing a transition metal element. Provided is an electrolyte membrane laminate having an excellent hydrogen-proof barrier property and a good durability.