Multi-Layer PTFE-Ionomer Membrane for Low Resistance and Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolyte membranes in water electrolysis systems and fuel cells face durability issues due to material fatigue, increased membrane resistance with thickness, and problems with hydrogen permeation and durability.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen ion conductive multi-layer composite membrane is developed, comprising an inner reinforced membrane with a porous PTFE layer impregnated with an ionomer composition, and outer reinforced membranes with similar PTFE layers but smaller pore size and porosity, enhancing durability and ion conductivity while reducing hydrogen permeation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the membrane thickness is increased, then the membrane resistance increases, but the durability improves

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmembrane resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a thin electrolyte membrane layer for low resistance, and thicker reinforced membrane layers for durability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between thickness for durability and thinness for low resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining a fluorocarbon-based electrolyte membrane with PTFE-based reinforced membranes. The composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve the ion conductivity of the electrolyte membrane and the mechanical durability of the PTFE reinforced layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If the membrane thickness is decreased, then the membrane resistance decreases, but the hydrogen permeation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane resistanceVSAvoidhydrogen permeation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane structure segments the functions of ion conduction and hydrogen barrier properties into different layers. The thin electrolyte membrane provides low resistance for ion conduction, while the separate PTFE reinforced layers provide the hydrogen barrier function, allowing the membrane to be thin without increasing hydrogen permeation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PTFE reinforced membrane layers act as intermediary barrier layers between the electrolyte membrane and the external environment, blocking hydrogen permeation while allowing the electrolyte membrane to maintain optimal thinness for low resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the membrane thickness is decreased, then the membrane resistance decreases, but the durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane resistanceVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into a thin electrolyte membrane layer for low resistance and thicker PTFE reinforced layers for durability. This allows the active electrolyte layer to be thin while the protective reinforced layers provide the necessary mechanical strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines the ion-conducting electrolyte membrane with mechanically robust PTFE reinforced membranes, allowing the system to achieve both low resistance (through thin electrolyte layer) and high durability (through thick reinforced layers).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 multi-layer composite membrane exhibits excellent durability, ion conductivity, and reduced hydrogen permeation, making it suitable for use in water electrolysis systems and fuel cells.

Implementation Method 1

hydrogen ion conductive multi-layer composite membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

reducing hydrogen permeation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

porous PTFE layer impregnated with an ionomer composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250196071A1Hydrogen ion conductive multi-layer composite membrane

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 KOMEMTEC CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hydrogen ion conductive multilayer composite membrane comprising one or more inner reinforced membrane comprising a porous PTFE layer impregnated with an ionomer composition and outer reinforced membranes positioned on both sides of the inner reinforced membrane, wherein the outer reinforced membranes comprise a porous PTFE layer impregnated with an ionomer composition.