Sulfonated Polyarylenesulfone Membranes With Lower Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) for fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and electrodialysis cells face challenges such as high production costs, toxicity, and environmental persistence due to their fluorinated polymer composition. Additionally, they require improvements in proton conductivity, swelling, and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing a membrane containing a sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymer (sP) is developed. This process involves converting a reaction mixture comprising aromatic dihalogensulfone components, aromatic dihydroxy compounds, carbonate compounds, and aprotic polar solvents to produce a sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymer. The inorganic halide is then separated, followed by the removal of the aprotic polar solvent to obtain the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorinated polymer membranes (PFSA) are used, then ion conductivity and gas separation are achieved, but production cost increases and environmental toxicity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fluorinated polymer membranes with membranes made from sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymers, which are derived from cheaper, non-fluorinated precursors. This substitution maintains the necessary ion conductivity while significantly reducing production costs and eliminating the environmental persistence issues associated with fluorinated chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the membrane material by using sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymers with controlled degrees of sulfonation (20-80 mol%). This parameter change allows optimization of both ion conductivity and mechanical stability while avoiding the cost and environmental issues of fluorinated polymers
2Quantity of substance
If direct sulfonation of polyarylenesulfone polymers is performed, then sulfonated polymers are obtained, but side reactions occur and degree of sulfonation control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating sulfonic acid groups into the polymer structure during the polymerization step itself, rather than performing post-polymerization sulfonation. This is achieved by using sulfonated aromatic dihalogensulfones as monomers in the polycondensation reaction, allowing precise control over the degree of sulfonation (20-80 mol%) and eliminating side reactions associated with direct sulfonation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sulfonated aromatic dihalogensulfones as intermediary compounds that serve dual purposes: they act as monomers for polymerization and simultaneously introduce sulfonic acid groups at controlled positions in the polymer chain. This intermediary approach enables precise control over sulfonation degree and distribution without the side reactions of direct sulfonation
3Productivity
If conventional membrane preparation processes are used, then membranes are produced, but solvent usage increases and separation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for extensive solvent separation steps by designing a synthesis process where the polymer precipitates directly in the reaction medium upon completion. The membrane can be recovered by simple filtration or decantation, dramatically reducing solvent usage and eliminating complex separation operations while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing a self-precipitating polymerization system where the polymer automatically precipitates from the reaction medium upon completion of the polycondensation reaction. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional solvent removal or separation steps, simplifying the process and reducing solvent consumption while maintaining high productivity
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 resulting membrane exhibits improved proton conductivity, reduced swelling, and enhanced mechanical stability, while also simplifying the production process by reducing solvent usage and avoiding the need for subsequent separation steps.
Implementation Method 1
They need to be ion conductive and at the same time they have to separate the gases hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
membranes have to be robust and stable for a long operation and lifetime with constant performance... they have to separate the gases hydrogen and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a membrane (M) containing a sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymer (sP), the membrane (M) obtained by the inventive process, a fuel cell, an electrodialysis cell and an electrolytic cell comprising the membrane (M), the use of the membrane (M) in an electrolytic cell, an electrodialysis cell or a fuel cell and a process for the preparation of electrical energy and/or hydrogen.