Fuel Cell Membrane Using Porous Nanoweb Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells face challenges with low mechanical strength, high ohmic loss, and high material costs, along with issues of proton conductivity and thickness expansion, particularly when using fluorine ionomers and Teflon resins.
Innovation Solution
A polymer electrolyte membrane is developed using a porous nanoweb with a high melting point and hydrocarbon-based ionomers, which are insoluble in organic solvents, to reduce thickness and material costs while maintaining proton conductivity and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluorine ionomer is used to prepare a polymer electrolyte membrane, then proton conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates and pinholes are generated over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a fluorine ionomer layer with a porous Teflon resin support layer. The fluorine ionomer provides high proton conductivity while the Teflon resin support provides mechanical strength and prevents pinhole formation. This composite approach allows both functionalities to coexist without compromising either property.
2Strength
If the membrane thickness of fluorine ionomer is increased to reinforce mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but ohmic loss and raw material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the membrane into two functional segments: a thin fluorine ionomer layer (5-20 μm) that provides proton conductivity with minimal thickness, and a porous Teflon resin support layer that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows the ionomer layer to remain thin (reducing ohmic loss) while the support layer compensates for mechanical strength requirements.
3Strength
If a porous Teflon resin is used as support material, then mechanical strength is improved, but material cost increases due to expensive raw materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous Teflon resin with controlled porosity (50-80%) as the support material. The porous structure reduces the amount of Teflon resin required compared to a non-porous solid structure, thereby reducing material cost while still providing sufficient mechanical strength and proton transport pathways.
4Loss of energy
If the overall membrane thickness is reduced to decrease ohmic loss, then ohmic loss is reduced, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite membrane where a thin fluorine ionomer layer (providing proton conductivity with minimal thickness for low ohmic loss) is combined with a porous Teflon resin support layer (providing mechanical strength). The synergistic combination allows the overall membrane to be thin without sacrificing mechanical 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 membrane achieves improved mechanical strength, reduced ohmic loss, and low thickness expansion, ensuring long-term performance and cost-effectiveness by using hydrocarbon materials that enhance adhesion and thermal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a porous nanoweb which has a melting point of 300° C. or more and is insoluble in an organic solvent at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
insoluble in an organic solvent at room temperature, such as NMP, DMF, DMA or DMSO
Implementation Method 3
The polymer electrolyte membrane is a passage through which the proton (H+) is transferred to the cathode, which therefore, must have a high proton (H+) conductivity
Implementation Method 4
an ionomer which is charged in pores of the porous nanoweb and contains a hydrocarbon material soluble in the above organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane having a construction wherein an ionomer is charged in pores of a nanoweb having a high melting point, being insoluble in an organic solvent and having excellent pore characteristics, under optimum conditions. Therefore, an overall thickness of the electrolyte membrane may be reduced, thereby attaining advantages such as decrease in ohmic loss, reduction of material costs, excellent heat resistance, low thickness expansion rate which in turn prevents proton conductivity from being deteriorated over a long term. The polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention comprises a porous nanoweb having a melting point of 300□ or more and being insoluble in an organic solvent of NMP, DMF, DMA, or DMSO at room temperature; and an ionomer which is charged in pores of the porous nanoweb and contains a hydrocarbon material soluble in the organic solvent at room temperature.