Thin Electrolyte Membrane With Recombination Catalyst for Hydrogen Crossover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyte membranes for electrochemical devices, such as water electrolysers, face challenges in achieving a balance between low hydrogen crossover and high ionic conductivity, particularly at high pressure differentials, while maintaining stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Development of electrolyte membranes with a thickness of less than or equal to 100 μm, incorporating an unsupported recombination catalyst layer dispersed in an ion conducting polymer, formed as a single coherent membrane without lamination interfaces, which includes a recombination catalyst layer with specific particle size distribution and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If membrane thickness is reduced to minimise electronic and ionic resistance, then ionic conductivity is improved, but hydrogen crossover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the ion-conducting polymer matrix with dispersed recombination catalyst particles (platinum, palladium, or their alloys) to create a multifunctional membrane that simultaneously provides ionic conductivity and hydrogen recombination activity, resolving the contradiction between thin membrane benefits and hydrogen crossover risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform distribution of recombination catalyst particles within the membrane structure, concentrating catalytic activity in specific regions where hydrogen crossover is most problematic, while maintaining thin overall membrane thickness for low resistance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If membrane thickness is increased to reduce hydrogen crossover, then hydrogen crossover is reduced, but ionic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical and physical properties of the membrane through catalyst incorporation, changing the membrane's functional characteristics to enable active hydrogen recombination rather than relying solely on physical barrier thickness, allowing thin membranes to achieve low hydrogen crossover
3Object-generated harmful factors
If supported recombination catalyst is used, then hydrogen recombination is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to lamination interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the recombination catalyst and ion-conducting polymer into a single integrated membrane structure, eliminating the need for separate lamination steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining hydrogen recombination functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies taking out by removing the catalyst support component from the traditional supported catalyst structure, using unsupported dispersed catalyst particles that can be directly incorporated into the membrane matrix during manufacturing, simplifying the overall structure and production process
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 membranes achieve an excellent balance between low hydrogen crossover and high ionic conductivity, enhancing stability and manufacturing efficiency, suitable for use in water electrolysers and fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a recombination catalyst layer, such as a proton exchange membrane... the layer comprises particles of an unsupported recombination catalyst dispersed in an ion conducting polymer
Implementation Method 2
particles of an unsupported recombination catalyst dispersed in an ion conducting polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyte membrane comprising a recombination catalyst layer. The membrane has a thickness of less than or equal to 100 μm and is a single coherent polymer film comprising a plurality of ion conducting polymer layers. The recombination catalyst layer comprises particles of an unsupported recombination catalyst dispersed in an ion conducting polymer and the layer has a thickness in the range of and including 5 to 30 μm. Catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) incorporating the electrolyte membranes are also provided, together with methods of manufacturing the electrolyte membranes.