Functionalized Perfluoroaromatic Membranes With High Ionic Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membranes for electrochemical processes face challenges in achieving a balance between chemical stability, mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and low swelling, particularly when substituted with functional groups that compromise these properties.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves nucleophilically substituting multiple fluorine atoms of perfluoroaromatic compounds in oligomeric or polymeric chains with functional groups, allowing for the adaptation of property profiles to suit specific electrochemical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fluorine atoms of perfluoroaromatic compounds are substituted with functional groups, then ionic conductivity is improved, but brittleness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively substituting only one or two fluorine atoms at specific positions (para or ortho) of the perfluoroaromatic compound rather than multiple atoms throughout the structure. This localized substitution approach maintains ionic conductivity by introducing functional groups at strategic locations while preserving the mechanical integrity and flexibility of the polymer backbone by leaving other fluorine atoms intact.
2Reliability
If functional groups are substituted onto perfluoroaromatic compounds, then ionic conductivity is enhanced, but chemical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by limiting functional group substitution to specific positions (one or two fluorine atoms at para or ortho positions) rather than throughout the entire perfluoroaromatic structure. This selective approach introduces sufficient ionic conductivity through functional groups while preserving the chemical stability of the remaining perfluoroaromatic framework, which maintains its inherent resistance to chemical degradation.
3Reliability
If functional groups are attached to perfluoroaromatic compounds, then membrane functionality is improved, but mechanical strength worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing functional groups at specific locations (one or two substitutions at para or ortho positions) rather than throughout the polymer structure. This localized approach provides the necessary membrane functionality for electrochemical applications while maintaining the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the bulk polymer material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by substituting only one or two fluorine atoms per perfluoroaromatic compound rather than achieving complete or excessive substitution. This partial substitution level is sufficient to provide the required membrane functionality while avoiding the mechanical degradation that would result from higher degrees of substitution.
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
This method enables the creation of polymers with enhanced ionic conductivity and reduced brittleness, making them suitable for use as membranes in fuel cells, electrolysis, and redox-flow batteries.
Implementation Method 1
several, in particular two, three, four or five fluorine atoms are each nucleophilically substituted by a functional group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates: to a substance, in particular functionalised oligomer or polymer, wherein the substance contains oligomeric or polymeric chains to which perfluoroaromatic compounds are coupled or which contain perfluoroaromatic compounds; and to a membrane, in particular a blended membrane; and to a method for producing a substance, comprising the following steps: providing a starting substance, which contains oligomeric or polymeric chains to which perfluoroaromatic compounds having a plurality of fluorine atoms are coupled or which contain perfluoroaromatic compounds having a plurality of fluorine atoms; nucelophilic substitution of at least two, in particular of precisely two, three, four or five fluorine atoms of the perfluoroaromatic compound by one functional group in each case.