Sulfonated Styrenic Block Copolymers for High Dielectric Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for styrenic block copolymers that can be produced in a facile manner and transformed into functionalized block copolymers with diverse morphologies and physical and chemical properties, suitable for use as dielectric materials in energy storage devices and insulators.
Innovation Solution
The development of styrenic block copolymers (SBC) and sulfonated styrenic block copolymers (SSBC) with specific polymer block compositions and structures, including poly(para-alkylstyrene), hydrogenated polyisoprene or polybutadiene, and polystyrene blocks, which are synthesized through anionic polymerization and hydrogenation, followed by sulfonation to achieve desired mechanical and dielectric properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If styrenic block copolymers are produced through conventional methods, then the production process is complex and difficult, but the patent achieves facile production through anionic polymerization followed by hydrogenation and sulfonation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer synthesis into distinct sequential stages: anionic polymerization to form the block copolymer backbone, hydrogenation to saturate double bonds, and sulfonation to introduce functional groups. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall manufacturing process by making each transformation well-defined and controllable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first establishing the block copolymer structure through anionic polymerization with controlled block lengths and compositions before proceeding to hydrogenation and sulfonation. This preliminary structuring simplifies subsequent modifications and ensures consistent final product properties
2Adaptability or versatility
If the block copolymer structure is simplified, then the production is easier, but the diversity of morphologies and functional properties is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct polymer blocks with specific functions: polystyrene blocks for rigidity and sulfonation sites, polybutadiene or polyisoprene blocks for elasticity and softness, and para-alkylstyrene blocks for tailored glass transition temperatures. Each block contributes specific local properties that combine to give the overall material its desired morphology and functional characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying block composition ratios, molecular weights, and sulfonation degrees to achieve different morphologies (spherical, cylindrical, lamellar) and property profiles. This allows continuous tuning of material properties without changing the fundamental block copolymer architecture
3Reliability
If the polymer blocks are highly functionalized through sulfonation, then the dielectric properties are improved, but the mechanical stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating sulfonation in specific polystyrene blocks rather than uniformly throughout the entire polymer. This localized functionalization enhances dielectric properties in the polar domains while the non-sulfonated rubber blocks and para-alkylstyrene blocks maintain mechanical integrity and elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure at the molecular level by combining sulfonated polystyrene blocks (providing dielectric functionality) with hydrogenated polybutadiene or polyisoprene blocks (providing mechanical flexibility). This nanoscale phase-separated composite architecture allows simultaneous optimization of dielectric performance and mechanical properties
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 SBC and SSBC materials exhibit suitable mechanical and dielectric properties, enabling their use in energy storage devices and insulators, with high dielectric constants, low tangent loss angles, high breakdown voltages, and high bulk resistance, making them valuable for applications such as electrical capacitors and supercapacitors.
Implementation Method 1
They can be prepared by anionic polymerization using techniques known in the art
Implementation Method 2
B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block (E/P) or a polybutadiene block (E/B)
Implementation Method 3
D1 is a sulfonated polystyrene block, or a polymer block consisting essentially of sulfonated styrene units
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a styrenic block copolymer [A1-B1-C1], consisting essentially of polymer blocks A1, B1 and C1. A1 is a poly(para-alkylstyrene) block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol. B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block or a hydrogenated polybutadiene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. C1 is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; or a polymer block consisting essentially of polymerized styrene units, and hydrogenated butadiene and/or isoprene units, and having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Prior to hydrogenation, the block B1 has a vinyl content of 5-75 mol %; and the block C1 forms 1-80 wt % of the overall weight of the block copolymer. The selectively sulfonated forms of the copolymers are useful as high dielectric materials.