Reinforcing sheet for solid electrolyte membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic binders in reinforcing sheets for solid electrolyte membranes degrade in high-temperature, low-pH environments, reducing the durability and chemical stability of the membranes, which is a concern for improved fuel cell performance.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing sheet composed of glass fibers coated with an organic polymer consisting only of carbon and hydrogen, with voids for filling with a solid electrolyte, providing enhanced durability and chemical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass fibers are coated with conventional organic binders (acrylate polymer, epoxy polymer) to increase strength, then the reinforcing sheet shows improved brittle fracture strength, but the organic binder degrades in high-temperature, low-pH fuel cell environments, reducing durability and chemical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the organic binder by strictly limiting it to contain only carbon and hydrogen elements (hydrocarbon polymer), excluding all other elements and functional groups that would cause degradation in fuel cell environments. This parameter change ensures both strength enhancement and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of glass fibers reinforced with a specifically designed hydrocarbon-based organic binder. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength of glass fibers with the chemical stability of pure hydrocarbon polymers, achieving both improved brittle fracture strength and enhanced durability in fuel cell environments.
2Temperature
If aromatic polymer materials (polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone) are used to enable high-temperature operation, then the operating temperature range is extended, but the strength of the solid electrolyte membranes becomes insufficient, causing damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses glass fiber-shaped bodies as reinforcing materials embedded in the aromatic polymer matrix to create a composite membrane structure. This composite approach maintains the high-temperature capability of aromatic polymers while adding the mechanical strength of glass fibers, preventing membrane damage during assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies glass fiber reinforcement specifically at critical locations within the membrane structure where strength is most needed, such as the membrane body and regions subject to mechanical stress during assembly. This localized reinforcement maintains overall membrane flexibility while providing targeted strength enhancement.
3Reliability
If fluoropolymer materials are used for solid electrolyte membranes, then proton conduction is achieved, but the membranes swell on exposure to water, causing increased dimensions, decreased strength, and creep during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates glass fiber-shaped bodies into the fluoropolymer matrix to create a composite structure that restricts polymer chain movement and swelling. The rigid glass fibers act as a structural framework that maintains dimensional stability while allowing the fluoropolymer to maintain its proton conduction properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass fiber-shaped bodies create a porous or semi-porous structure within the membrane that provides physical constraints on water absorption and swelling. The three-dimensional network of glass fibers limits the expansion of fluoropolymer chains when exposed to water, preventing excessive dimensional changes and creep.
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 reinforcing sheet maintains the strength and dimensional stability of the solid electrolyte membrane, improving its durability and chemical stability, even in challenging fuel cell environments.
Implementation Method 1
an organic binder that coats the glass fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The reinforcing sheet according to the present invention includes glass fibers and an organic binder that coats the glass fibers, and has voids to be filled with a solid electrolyte. The organic binder is (i) an organic polymer containing no element other than carbon, hydrogen and fluorine; or (ii) an organic polymer having a main chain and side chains, the main chain being perfluoroalkylene, and at least one of the side chains being terminated with a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group. The reinforcing sheet according to the present invention is suitable for improving the durability of a solid electrolyte membrane and maintaining the chemical stability thereof.