Porous-Support Bipolar Membrane for Stable Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipolar membranes face challenges in improving conversion efficiency and reducing costs for hydrogen energy applications, with limitations in electrochemical properties and interface stability.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar membrane comprising a porous support material with a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane, where the membranes penetrate into the pores of the support material without direct contact, along with interface additives to enhance water and ion transport balance, improving conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane are placed in direct contact to form a bipolar membrane, then the device complexity is reduced, but the interface stability deteriorates due to poor water and ion transport balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous support material as an intermediary layer between the cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane. This intermediate porous support material improves water and ion transport balance at the interface, thereby enhancing interface stability and overall membrane performance without requiring the membranes to be in direct contact
2Use of energy by moving object
If the membrane thickness is reduced to improve conductivity, then the electrical resistance decreases, but the mechanical strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite membrane structure consisting of cation exchange membrane, porous support material, and anion exchange membrane. This composite structure combines the electrochemical activity of thin exchange membranes with the mechanical strength of the porous support, achieving both high conductivity and mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The porous support material provides a three-dimensional network structure that enhances mechanical strength while maintaining ion transport pathways. The porous structure allows efficient ion conduction without requiring the membrane to be extremely thin, thus balancing conductivity and mechanical strength
3Ease of manufacture
If commercially available bipolar membranes are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the electrochemical performance and conversion efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local properties of the bipolar membrane by carefully selecting and combining specific cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane materials with appropriate pore structures. This localized optimization of material properties at different regions of the membrane enables superior electrochemical performance and conversion efficiency compared to conventional membranes
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 significantly enhances current density and stability, outperforming commercially available membranes in terms of electrochemical performance and chemical resistance, particularly in varying electrolyte concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a material of the cation exchange membrane penetrates into pores of the first side and combines with the porous support material
Implementation Method 2
a material of the anion exchange membrane penetrates into pores of the second side and combines with the porous support material
Implementation Method 3
The cation exchange membrane is disposed on the first side of the porous support material... The anion exchange membrane is disposed on the second side of the porous support material
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar membrane and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The bipolar membrane includes a porous support material, a cation exchange membrane (CEM) and an anion exchange membrane (AEM). The porous support material has opposing first and second sides. The CEM is disposed on the first side of the porous support material, and the material of the CEM penetrates into the pores of the first side and combines with the porous support material. The AEM is disposed on the second side of the porous support material, and the material of the AEM penetrates into the pores of the second side and combines with the porous support material. The CEM is not in contact with the AEM.