Polymer Membrane Electrode Air Entapment Elimination

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing polymeric membranes for membrane electrodes often result in air entrapment between the internal electrolyte solution and the membrane, hindering the electrode's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the deposition of a solution comprising membrane constituents on the surface of an internal electrolyte solution within an electrode body, followed by drying, which allows the polymeric membrane to form directly on the electrode, eliminating air entrapment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the polymeric membrane is formed by conventional methods (pouring precursor solution onto support then cutting and gluing), then the membrane can be produced, but air entrapment occurs between the internal electrolyte solution and the membrane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane production processVSAvoidelectrode functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal electrolyte solution is introduced into the electrode body before the polymeric membrane is formed. This preliminary action ensures that the membrane will be deposited directly onto the liquid surface, eliminating air entrapment issues that would occur if the membrane were pre-formed and then attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method uses the liquid phase internal electrolyte solution as a substrate for membrane formation. By depositing the membrane solution directly onto the liquid surface and allowing it to dry, the process eliminates gas pockets and ensures complete contact between the membrane and electrolyte solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of manufacture

If the polymeric membrane is formed by immersing electrode body in precursor solution, then the membrane forms on the electrode, but air entrapment still occurs between the membrane and internal electrolyte solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane deposition processVSAvoidmembrane-electrolyte interface quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The internal electrolyte solution is introduced into the electrode body before the polymeric membrane is formed. This preliminary action ensures that the membrane will be deposited directly onto the liquid surface, eliminating air entrapment issues that would occur if the membrane were pre-formed and then attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming the membrane first and then introducing the electrolyte solution, the process inverts the sequence by introducing the electrolyte solution first and then forming the membrane on top of it. This reversal eliminates the air entrapment problem that occurs when the membrane is formed first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If air is entrapped between the internal electrolyte solution and the polymeric membrane, then the membrane structure remains intact, but the electrode functionality is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane structureVSAvoidelectrode performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal electrolyte solution is introduced into the electrode body before the polymeric membrane is formed. This preliminary action ensures that the membrane will be deposited directly onto the liquid surface, eliminating air entrapment issues that would occur if the membrane were pre-formed and then attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The process changes the physical state and sequence of operations: the internal electrolyte solution is introduced in liquid phase before membrane formation, and the membrane is deposited from solution and then dried. This parameter change in process sequence eliminates air pockets while maintaining membrane structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 production of membrane electrodes with improved functionality by ensuring a seamless interface between the polymeric membrane and the internal electrolyte solution, enhancing their performance in potentiometric detection of analytes.

Implementation Method 1

a step of drying said solution comprising the constituents of the polymeric membrane, whereby the polymeric membrane remains on the surface of the internal electrolyte solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3063539B1Method for producing a polymer membrane of a polymer membrane electrode for the potentiometric detection of at least one analyte present in a solution

Publication Date: 2017.09.27 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer membrane of a polymer membrane electrode for the potentiometric detection of at least one analyte present in a solution to be analysed, said method comprising the following successive steps: a) a step of depositing a solution, in a liquid phase, comprising the constituents of the polymer membrane, on the surface of an internal electrolyte solution, the latter being in a liquid phase and occupying the inner cavity of an electrode body; and b) a step of drying said solution comprising the constituents of the polymer membrane, by which means the polymer membrane is able to remain on the surface of the internal electrolyte solution.