JP2007165046A - Proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte showing high proton conductivity even in non-humidified/high temperature condition and having high mechanical strength and to provide a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte is formed by mixing acid and a matrix polymer impregnated with the acid, and the matrix polymer has basic molecular structure in a molecule. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte and a fuel cell.

  In order to popularize fuel cells, reduction of manufacturing cost is an important issue, and at the same time, high performance and high reliability are required. Therefore, research on hydrocarbon polymer electrolytes has been actively conducted as an alternative to perfluoro-based electrolyte membranes such as conventional Nafion (registered trademark). Typical examples include those obtained by sulfonating polyarylenes such as polyimide and polybenzimidazole (Patent Document 1 or 2).

In general, when sulfonating a polymer, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, when sulfonation is directly performed using concentrated sulfuric acid, uniform sulfonation is difficult. In addition, when sulfonic acid is introduced using propane sultone or the like (Non-patent Document 2), the alkyl-terminal sulfonic acid is introduced as a side chain, so that the stability of the alkyl group may be a problem.
The reason why polyimide or aromatic hydrocarbon is selected as the main chain is from the viewpoint of chemical stability or heat resistance. However, these polymers are often formed by condensation. When a monomer having a sulfonic acid as a functional group is polymerized as a starting material, it is difficult to increase the molecular weight because the polymerization is inhibited by the presence of the sulfonic acid. There is no choice but to rely on sulfonation of the polymer in post-treatment. It is important to introduce acidic functional groups with regularity in order to develop high ionic conductivity, and the introduction rate leads to equal ion exchange capacity. The introduction is very important.
JP 2002-367627 A JP 2004-345997 A Sea. Bailey, Dee. Jay. Williams, F. E. FE Karasz, W. Jay. Manit (WjMachnight), "Polymer", 1987, 28, p. 1009 M. Bee. MBGieselman, Jay. R. Raymond (JR, Reynolds), “Macromolecules, 1992, 25, p. 4832.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte and a fuel cell having high proton conductivity and high mechanical strength due to introduction of an acidic functional group. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration.
The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention is characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (1).
In addition, the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention is characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (2).
In addition, the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention is characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (3).
Furthermore, the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention is characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (4).

In the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention, the paravanic acid structure ((CO) ₃ N ₂ group) in the general formulas (1) to (4) is formed by converting a urethane bond. It is preferable.
The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention preferably contains a polyparabanic acid resin. The structural formula of the polyparabanic acid resin is, for example, as shown in the following general formulas (5) to (10).

Next, the fuel cell of the present invention includes an oxygen electrode, a fuel electrode, and a proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between both electrodes, and an oxidant distribution plate in which an oxidant channel is formed is provided on the oxygen electrode side, In a fuel cell in which a fuel flow plate having a fuel flow path provided on the fuel electrode side is used as a unit cell, the polymer electrolyte membrane is the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte as described above Features.
In the fuel cell of the present invention, either one or both of the oxygen electrode and the fuel electrode may contain the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte described in any of the above.

According to the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention, as shown in the general formulas (1) to (4), a sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group) which is an acidic functional group is provided in the molecule. In addition, high proton conductivity can be expressed by the presence of the acidic functional group. Further, as shown in the above general formulas (1) to (4), since the paravanic acid structure ((CO) ₃ N ₂ group) is contained in the molecule, the heat resistance of the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte is improved. Can be improved. Furthermore, as shown in the general formulas (3) to (4), since the molecule also contains a benzene ring, the heat resistance of the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte can be further improved.

  In particular, the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention can exhibit excellent proton conductivity in a relatively low temperature range of 70 ° C. to 100 ° C. Therefore, the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention can be suitably used for an electrolyte membrane of a solid polymer type fuel cell that operates in a temperature range of 70 ° C. or more and 100 ° C. or less, and has good power generation performance. The period can be shown stably.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
"Proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte"
The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte (hereinafter referred to as polymer electrolyte) of the present embodiment is composed of a matrix polymer having at least the molecular structure represented by the general formula (1). In the general formula (1), the heterocyclic structure composed of the molecular formula (CO) ₃ N ₂ is a paravanic acid structure, and the matrix polymer constituting the polymer electrolyte of this embodiment is always provided with this paravanic acid structure. ing. In addition, the substituent R ₁ in the general formula (1) is a benzenesulfonic acid, and has a sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group) that is an acidic functional group.

In the general formula (1), _{n 1} indicating the number of units of the molecular structure is preferably in the range of 3 to 100,000, more preferably in the range of 10 to 100,000. If n ₁ is 3 or more, the amount of sulfonic acid groups (SO ₃ H groups) will be sufficient, and there is no possibility of lowering proton conductivity. If n ₁ is 100,000 or less, the average molecular weight of the entire matrix polymer does not become excessive, the solubility in a solvent does not decrease, the moldability by the so-called casting method is improved, and a polymer electrolyte is obtained as desired. It becomes easy to make a shape.

In addition to the molecular structure represented by the general formula (1), the matrix polymer constituting the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment is a molecule composed of the paravanic acid structure represented by the general formula (2) and the substituent R _2. A structure may be included. The substituent R ₂ in the general formula (2) is a diphenylmethylene group or a diphenyl ether group, and both have a benzene ring.
In the general formula (2), the _{n 2} showing the number of units of the molecular structure is preferably in the range of 1 to 100,000, and more preferably in the range of 3 to 100,000. If n ₂ is 1 or more, sulfonic acid groups (SO 3 _H group) is a sufficient amount, there is no possibility of lowering the proton conductivity. Further, if n ₂ is 100,000 or less, the average molecular weight of the whole matrix polymer is not excessive, the solubility in the solvent is not lowered, the moldability by the so-called casting method is improved, and the polymer electrolyte is obtained as desired. It becomes easy to make a shape.
Further, in the general formula (2), _{m 2} indicating the number of units of the molecular structure is in the range of 1 to 100,000. When m ₂ is 1 or more, the substituent R ₂ becomes a sufficient amount, and there is no possibility of reducing the heat resistance. If m ₂ is 100,000 or less, the average molecular weight of the entire matrix polymer is not excessive, the solubility in the solvent is not lowered, the moldability by the so-called casting method is improved, and the polymer electrolyte is obtained as desired. It becomes easy to make a shape.

As a specific example of the matrix polymer constituting the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment, one represented by the above general formula (3) can be exemplified. In the general formula (3), all of the substituents R ₁ are benzenesulfonic acids and have a sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group) which is an acidic functional group. The substituent R ₂ is a diphenylmethylene group or a diphenyl ether group, and each has a benzene ring. Between the substituents R ₁ and R ₂ is provided a parabanic acid structure consisting of the molecular formula (CO) ₃ N ₂ .

N ₃ indicating the number of repeating units in the general formula (3) is preferably in the range of 2 to 50000, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50000. When n ₃ is 2 or more, the sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group), the benzene ring, and the paravanic acid structure are sufficient, and the proton conductivity is not lowered and the heat resistance is not lowered. Further, if n ₃ is 50000 or less, the average molecular weight of the entire matrix polymer is not excessive, the solubility in the solvent is not lowered, the moldability by the so-called casting method is improved, and the polymer electrolyte is obtained as desired. It becomes easy to make a shape.

Furthermore, as a specific example of the matrix polymer constituting the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment, one represented by the above general formula (4) can be exemplified. In the general formula (4), all of the substituents R ₁ are benzenesulfonic acids and have a sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group) which is an acidic functional group. The substituent R ₂ is a diphenylmethylene group or a diphenyl ether group, and each has a benzene ring. Further, the substituent R ₃ is a diphenylmethylene group and has a benzene ring. Between the substituents R ₁ , R ₂ and R ₃ , a paravanic acid structure having a molecular formula (CO) ₃ N ₂ is provided.

_{N 4} representing the number of repeating units in the general formula (4) is preferably in a range of from 1 to 30,000, and more preferably in the range of 3 to 30,000. When n ₄ is 1 or more, the sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group), the benzene ring, and the paravanic acid structure are sufficient, and the proton conductivity is not lowered and the heat resistance is not lowered. Also, if n ₄ is 30,000, not excessive average molecular weight of the matrix polymer, without solubility decreases with respect to the solvent improves the moldability by a so-called casting method, the desired polymer electrolyte It becomes easy to make a shape.

  The paravanic acid structure contained in the matrix polymer represented by the general formulas (1) to (4) is formed by converting a urethane bond portion. That is, the matrix polymer of the present embodiment is produced by condensation polymerization of a diisocyanate compound and a diamine compound to form a polyurea resin, and a urethane bond contained in the polyurea resin is converted. Through such a manufacturing process, a small amount of unconverted urethane bonds remain in the matrix polymer of this embodiment. That is, the conversion rate is less than 100%.

[Crosslinked structure]
The matrix polymer constituting the polymer electrolyte of this embodiment may have a crosslinked structure formed by a low molecular crosslinking agent acting on the remaining urethane bond. As the low molecular crosslinking agent, a compound selected from a diacid anhydride, a diepoxy compound, and a diisocyanate is preferable. These low-molecular crosslinking agents form a crosslinked structure in which the urethane bond portions remaining in the matrix polymer are crosslinked, and the mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte is further improved. The cross-linking reaction mainly occurs with respect to NH groups in the matrix polymer, and NH groups in adjacent molecular chains are cross-linked to stabilize the molecular structure of the entire matrix polymer.

Examples of the dianhydride include dianhydride pyromellitic acid, cyclobutene dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and derivatives thereof.
Examples of the diepoxy compound include ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether and 2,2′-bis (4-glycidyloxyphenyl) -propane.
Further, as the diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate (hereinafter abbreviated as MDI), 4,4′-diphenyl ether diisocyanate (ODI), tolylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, naphthalene diisocyanate, hexafluorobiphenyl diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate, Examples include isophorone diisocyanate and cyclohexane diisocyanate. Furthermore, these derivatives can also be used.

  Further, the mixing ratio of these low-molecular crosslinking agents and the matrix polymer (low-molecular crosslinking agent / matrix polymer) is a ratio of 0.001 / 0.999 (mol / mol) to 0.4 / 0.6 (mol / mol). Are preferably mixed together. Since the amount of urethane bonds remaining in the matrix polymer is small, the crosslinking reaction does not proceed even if the amount of the low molecular crosslinking agent is larger than this, and improvement in mechanical strength cannot be expected.

[Polymer alloy]
In the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment, the matrix polymer may contain a polyparabanic acid resin. Specifically, a polymer alloy is formed by a matrix polymer having a molecular structure represented by the general formulas (1) to (4) and a polyparabanic acid resin, and this polymer alloy is used as a polymer electrolyte. Examples of the polyparabanic acid resin include those having the structures shown in the general formulas (5) to (10).
The content of the polyparabanic acid resin in the polymer alloy is preferably 98% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less. When the content is less than 20% by mass, the proton conductivity of the polymer electrolyte is lowered, which is not preferable.

Moreover, it is desirable to use the polymer electrolyte of this embodiment in a state in which moisture is included when used as an electrolyte. Proton conduction in the polymer electrolyte is expressed by the action of the sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group) contained in the matrix polymer. However, when water is contained in the polymer electrolyte, water and the sulfonic acid group ( Proton conduction proceeds smoothly due to the interaction with the SO ₃ H group. The amount of water contained in the polymer electrolyte may be 1% by mass to 30% by mass.

According to the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment, an acidic functional group (sulfonic acid group (SO ₃ H group)) is contained in the matrix polymer molecule. The proton conductivity of the molecular electrolyte can be increased. In particular, proton conductivity can be further improved by containing water in the polymer electrolyte.

Further, according to the polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment, the heat resistance of the polymer electrolyte itself can be improved because the matrix polymer molecule includes a heterocyclic paravanic acid structure.
Furthermore, according to the polymer electrolyte of this embodiment, the diphenylmethylene group or diphenyl ether group is contained in the matrix polymer molecule, and these functional groups contain many benzene rings. The heat resistance of itself can be further increased.

Furthermore, since the matrix polymer is cross-linked, the mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte can be increased.
Furthermore, the mechanical strength of the matrix polymer can be increased by forming a polymer alloy by containing a polyparabanic acid resin or the like in the matrix polymer.

"Production Method of Proton Conducting Solid Polymer Electrolyte"
The method for producing a polymer electrolyte of the present embodiment includes a step of synthesizing a matrix polymer. The matrix polymer can be produced by synthesizing a polyurea resin from the reaction of diamine and diisocyanate, and converting the urethane bond of the synthesized polyurea resin into a paravanic acid structure.
Polyurea resins are synthesized by reaction of diamines and diisocyanates as described in the literature (E. Scortanu, LNicolaescu, G. Caraculacu, Ldiaconu, and A. Caraculacu, Eur. Polym, J. 34 (1998) 1265-1272). Is done. The synthesis scheme of the polyurea resin is shown in the following formula (11).

As shown in formula (11), diaminobenzenesulfonic acid (in the case of R ₂ = C ₆ H ₃ SO ₃ H (C ₆ H ₃ is a benzene ring)) as diamine, diaminostilbene-disulfonic acid (R ₂ = C _{In the case of 6} H ₃ (SO ₃ H) CH═CHC ₆ H ₃ (SO ₃ H) (C ₆ H ₃ is a benzene ring)) or bis (toluidine sulfonic acid) (R ₂ ═C ₆ H ₃ (CH ₃ ) In the case of (SO ₃ H) -C ₆ H ₃ (CH ₃ ) (SO ₃ H) (C ₆ H ₃ is a benzene ring)), it is possible to introduce a sulfonic acid group into the polyurea resin. Become. Further, diaminodiphenylmethane may be used together with the diamine having a sulfonic acid group. In this case, R ₂ in the formula (11) further includes a bisphenylmethyl group.
In addition, by using one or both of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and diphenyl ether isocyanate as the diisocyanate, an aromatic ring can be introduced into the aromatic polyurea resin.

  Furthermore, in order to synthesize the matrix polymer of this embodiment by converting the polyurea resin, as described in the above-mentioned document, the polyurea resin and oxalyl dichloride (ClOCCOCl) are reacted to form a urethane bond portion in the polyurea resin. Convert to polyparabanic acid structure. A scheme of this conversion reaction is shown in the following formula (12). The yield of this conversion reaction is less than 100%, and the synthesized matrix polymer may contain a small amount of unconverted polyurethane bonds.

  Next, the synthesized matrix polymer is dissolved in a solvent, a solution is applied onto a substrate such as a glass substrate, and then the solvent is removed by heating to form a polymer film made of the matrix polymer. Examples of the solvent for dissolving the matrix polymer include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). In this way, a membrane-like polymer electrolyte is obtained.

  The paravanic acid structure contained in the matrix polymer of the present embodiment is a polymer that has been proposed as an alternative to polyimide, and has been studied as an engineer plastic that can be provided at low cost (Document: TCPatton, Polym.Preprints , 12 (1971) p.162-168). However, since it is difficult to synthesize an isocyanate compound as a raw material when trying to produce a polyparabanic acid having an acidic functional group by a conventional synthesis method, examples of studies on introducing an acidic functional group into polyparabanic acid have been conducted so far. In addition, the obtained polymer was not studied as a polymer electrolyte or a power generation device using the polymer electrolyte. According to the present invention, a polyelectrolybic acid having an acidic functional group is synthesized by conversion of a polyurea resin, thereby providing a polymer electrolyte having high ion conductivity that is inexpensive and regularly introduced with an acidic functional group. It becomes possible.

"Fuel cell"
In FIG. 1, the schematic diagram of the single cell which comprises the fuel cell of this embodiment is shown. A single cell 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an oxygen electrode 2, a fuel electrode 3, and a polymer electrolyte 4 of the present embodiment sandwiched between the oxygen electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3 (hereinafter referred to as an electrolyte membrane 4). And an oxidant distribution plate 5 having an oxidant flow path 5 a disposed outside the oxygen electrode 2, and a fuel distribution plate 6 having a fuel flow path 6 a disposed outside the fuel electrode 3. The operation temperature is 100 ° C. to 200 ° C. and the humidity is not humidified or the relative humidity is 50% or less.

  The fuel electrode 3 and the oxygen electrode 2 are each generally composed of porous catalyst layers 2a and 3a and porous carbon sheets (carbon porous bodies) 2b and 3b that hold the catalyst layers 2a and 3a. The catalyst layers 2a and 3a contain an electrode catalyst (catalyst), a hydrophobic binder for solidifying and molding the electrode catalyst, and a conductive material.

  The catalyst is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal that promotes the oxidation reaction of hydrogen and the reduction reaction of oxygen. For example, lead, iron, manganese, cobalt, chromium, gallium, vanadium, tungsten, ruthenium, iridium, palladium, platinum, There may be mentioned rhodium or an alloy thereof. An electrode catalyst can be constituted by supporting such a metal or alloy on activated carbon.

  For example, a fluororesin can be used as the hydrophobic binder. Among the fluororesins, those having a melting point of 400 ° C. or less are preferable. Examples of such fluororesins include polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoroethylene copolymer. A resin excellent in hydrophobicity and heat resistance such as a polymer and perfluoroethylene can be used. By adding the hydrophobic binder, it is possible to prevent the catalyst layers 2a and 3a from being wetted excessively by the water generated in response to the power generation reaction, and the fuel gas and oxygen in the fuel electrode 3 and the oxygen electrode 2 can be prevented. Can be prevented.

  Further, the conductive material may be any material as long as it is an electrically conductive material, and examples thereof include various metals and carbon materials. Examples thereof include carbon black such as acetylene black, activated carbon and graphite, and these are used alone or in combination.

  The catalyst layers 2a and 3a may contain the polymer electrolyte according to the present invention instead of the hydrophobic binder or together with the hydrophobic binder. By adding the polymer electrolyte according to the present invention, the proton conductivity in the fuel electrode 3 and the oxygen electrode 2 can be improved, and the internal resistance of the fuel electrode 3 and the oxygen electrode 2 can be reduced.

The oxidant distribution plate 5 and the fuel distribution plate 6 are made of conductive metal or the like, and function as a current collector by being joined to the oxygen electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3 respectively. Oxygen and fuel gas are supplied to the pole 3. That is, the fuel electrode mainly containing hydrogen is supplied to the fuel electrode 3 through the fuel flow path 6 a of the fuel flow distribution plate 6, and the oxidant flow path 5 a of the oxidant flow distribution plate 5 is supplied to the oxygen electrode 2. Through this, oxygen as an oxidizing agent is supplied.
The hydrogen supplied as fuel may be supplied by hydrogen generated by reforming hydrocarbon or alcohol, and oxygen supplied as oxidant is supplied in a state of being contained in air. Also good.

  In this single cell 1, hydrogen is oxidized on the fuel electrode 3 side to generate protons, which are conducted through the electrolyte membrane 4 to reach the oxygen electrode 2, and protons and oxygen are electrochemically connected to the oxygen electrode 2. It reacts to produce water and generates electrical energy.

  According to the above fuel cell, it is possible to obtain a fuel cell that stably exhibits good power generation performance for a long period of time within an operating temperature range of 70 ° C. or higher and 100 ° C. or lower, and is suitable for automobiles, home power generation, or portable devices Can be used.

Example 1
At room temperature, 5 mmol (mmol) of 1,3-phenylenediamine-4-sulfonic acid was dissolved in 20 mL of 0.5N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (solution A ₁ ). And the solution _{A 1,} after the equivalent of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate was added dropwise to a solution _{B 1} comprising dissolved in chloroform 20 mL, and 18 hours the reaction was heated to 40 ° C., at 80 ° C. Reflux was performed for 4 hours.
After refluxing, the reaction solution was mixed with 400 mL of methanol, and the generated precipitate was filtered. The obtained precipitate (polyurea resin) was washed with 0.05 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and further washed with pure water until the pH of the washing solution became 7. The washed polyurea resin was vacuum dried at 60 ° C.

Next, the above polyurea resin was dispersed in dichloroethane, 3 equivalents of oxalyl dichloride was introduced, and the mixture was refluxed at 60 ° C. for 11 hours (conversion reaction from polyurea to polyparabanic acid). As a result, 0.3 g of a matrix polymer was obtained. The obtained matrix polymer was dissolved in NMP so that it might become 10 mass%, and the cast film-forming was carried out on glass. The obtained film had a thickness of 120 μm and was a yellow transparent film. In this way, the polymer electrolyte of Example 1 was produced.
The molecular structure of the obtained polymer electrolyte is as shown in the following general formula (13), and n ₁₁ in the formula (13) is 240. Further, the obtained polymer electrolyte was subjected to a quantitative analysis of sulfur, and the Ew value (reciprocal of the ion exchange capacity) was determined from the sulfur content, and Ew = 633.

(Example 2)
At room temperature, 5 mmol (mmol) of 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′disulfonic acid was dissolved in 20 mL of 0.5 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (solution A ₂ ), and this solution A ₂ was equivalent to 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate was added dropwise to a solution B ₂ comprising dissolved in chloroform 20 mL, it was allowed to react for 18 hours the temperature was raised to 40 ° C., for 4 hours under reflux at 80 ° C..
After refluxing, the reaction solution was mixed with 400 mL of methanol, and the generated precipitate was filtered. The obtained precipitate (polyurea resin) was washed with 0.05 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and further washed with pure water until the pH of the washing solution became 7. The washed polyurea resin was vacuum dried at 60 ° C.

Next, the above polyurea resin was dispersed in dichloroethane, 3 equivalents of oxalyl dichloride was introduced, and the mixture was refluxed at 60 ° C. for 11 hours (conversion reaction from polyurea to polyparabanic acid). As a result, 1.3 g of matrix polymer was obtained. The obtained matrix polymer was dissolved in NMP so that it might become 10 mass%, and the cast film-forming was carried out on glass. The thickness of the obtained film was 110 μm, and it was a pale yellow slightly cloudy film. In this way, the polymer electrolyte of Example 2 was produced.
The molecular structure of the obtained polymer electrolyte is as shown in the following general formula (14), and n ₁₂ in the formula (14) is 360. Further, when the Ew value (reciprocal of the ion exchange capacity) of the obtained polymer electrolyte was determined, Ew = 476.

(Example 3)
Was dissolved 5 mmol (millimoles) of 4,4'-bis (o-toluidine sulphonic acid) at room temperature in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide 0.5N 20 mL (solution _A 3), to the solution _{A 3,} eq 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate was added dropwise a solution B ₃ comprising dissolved in chloroform 20 mL, was reacted by heating to 40 ° C. 18 h, for 4 hours under reflux at 80 ° C..
After refluxing, the reaction solution was mixed with 400 mL of methanol, and the generated precipitate was filtered. The obtained precipitate (polyurea resin) was washed with 0.05 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and further washed with pure water until the pH of the washing solution became 7. The washed polyurea resin was vacuum dried at 60 ° C.

Next, the above polyurea resin was dispersed in dichloroethane, 3 equivalents of oxalyl dichloride was introduced, and the mixture was refluxed at 60 ° C. for 11 hours (conversion reaction from polyurea to polyparabanic acid). As a result, 2.2 g of matrix polymer was obtained. The obtained matrix polymer was dissolved in NMP so that it might become 10 mass%, and the cast film-forming was carried out on glass. The thickness of the obtained film was 130 μm and was a slightly green film. In this way, the polymer electrolyte of Example 3 was produced.
The molecular structure of the obtained polymer electrolyte is as shown in the following general formula (15), and n ₁₃ in the formula (15) is 180. Further, when the Ew value (reciprocal of the ion exchange capacity) of the obtained polymer electrolyte was determined, Ew = 434.

Example 4
5mmol solution _A 4 that (mmol) of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, which are dissolved in chloroform 10 mL, the solution _B 4 of 4,4'-diamino phenyl methane 2.5mmol, which are dissolved in chloroform 10 mL, and 2.5mmol of 4,4'-bis (o-toluidine sulphonic acid) was prepared a solution _{C 4} comprising dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide 0.5N 20 mL. Then, the solution _{A 4} was cooled to 10 ° C., this solution _{A 4} was added dropwise _{B 4,} was added dropwise a solution _{C 4} continues.
Next, this solution was heated to 40 ° C. and reacted for 18 hours, and then refluxed at 80 ° C. for 4 hours. After refluxing, the reaction solution was mixed with 400 mL of methanol, and the generated precipitate was filtered. The obtained precipitate (polyurea resin) was washed with 0.05 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and further washed with pure water until the pH of the washing solution became 7. The washed polyurea resin was vacuum dried at 60 ° C.

Next, the above polyurea resin was dispersed in dichloroethane, 1.5 equivalents of oxalyl dichloride was introduced, and the mixture was refluxed at 60 ° C. for 11 hours (conversion reaction from polyurea to polyparabanic acid). As a result, 2.4 g of matrix polymer was obtained. The obtained matrix polymer was dissolved in NMP so that it might become 10 mass%, and the cast film-forming was carried out on glass. The thickness of the obtained film was 130 μm and was a slightly light green film. In this way, the polymer electrolyte of Example 4 was produced.
The molecular structure of the obtained polymer electrolyte is as shown in the following general formula (16), _{n 14} in the formula (16) is 230. Further, when the Ew value (reciprocal of the ion exchange capacity) of the obtained polymer electrolyte was determined, it was Ew = 1084.

(Example 5)
With reference to the literature (TCPatton, Polym. Preprints, 12 (1971) p.162-168), acidic functionalities obtained by cyclization of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate with hydrogen cyanide and hydrolysis with concentrated hydrochloric acid A polyparabanic acid resin containing no groups was synthesized.
This polyparabanic acid resin and the matrix polymer prepared in Example 3 were dissolved in NMP at a mass ratio of 1: 1 to prepare a 10% by mass solution. This solution was cast on a glass plate (preparation of polymer alloy). The thickness of the obtained film was 110 μm and was a slightly light yellow film. In this way, the polymer electrolyte of Example 5 was produced.

(Comparative Example 1)
Sulfonated polyetheretherketone (matrix polymer) was synthesized by the method described in the literature (C. Bailly, DJ Williams, FE Karasz, and W. j. Machin, Polymer, 28, 1009 (1987)). The obtained matrix polymer was a yellow powder, and the sulfonation rate measured by elemental analysis was 55%. The obtained matrix polymer was dissolved in NMP so that it might become 10 mass%, and the cast film-forming was carried out on glass. The obtained film had a thickness of 120 μm and was a light yellow transparent film. Thus, the polymer electrolyte of Comparative Example 1 was produced.
When the Ew value (reciprocal of the ion exchange capacity) of the obtained polymer electrolyte was determined, Ew = 670.

(Evaluation methods)
In order to investigate the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membranes of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1, each polymer electrolyte membrane was immersed in ultrapure water to be in a wet state, and the polymer electrolyte membrane was pulled up to Water was wiped off, cut into a circle with a diameter of 13 mm, and this was sandwiched between platinum plates with a diameter of 13 mm to produce a cell for conductivity measurement. The conductivity measurement cell was placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber with a relative humidity of 100%, the AC resistance at 40 ° C., 50 ° C., and 60 ° C. was measured with an impedance analyzer, and the ionic conductivity was calculated from Ohm's law.
In addition, in order to examine whether the polymer electrolytes of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 have power generation characteristics, a single cell was prepared using a commercially available electrode with platinum catalyst (manufactured by E--TEK), and the positive electrode was used as the positive electrode. Air is introduced at a flow rate of 100 mL / min while humidifying hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, on the negative electrode side, and the cell is kept at 70 ° C., and closed at a constant current load at an open circuit voltage and a current density of 0.1 Acm ⁻² . The circuit voltage was examined. The above electrochemical properties are summarized in Table 1.
Further, in order to investigate the chemical stability of each electrolyte membrane, each electrolyte membrane was placed in a Fenton reagent (hydrogen peroxide containing 20 ppm of copper sulfate), and the change in weight at 80 ° C. was examined. The results are shown in FIG.

  As shown in Table 1, about the polymer electrolyte membrane of Examples 1-5, it turns out that both an ionic conductivity and a power generation test result have shown the favorable value. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, since the sulfonic acid group is randomly introduced, a good ion conduction path is not sufficiently formed. Therefore, it is considered that the ion conductivity is lowered.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the decrease in the weight decrease curves of the electrolyte membranes of Examples 1 to 5 is relatively small, whereas the weight decrease curve of the electrolyte membrane of Comparative Example 1 is 3 hours from the start of the test. The width of the curve decreases between the two. This is thought to be due to the remarkable progress of decomposition by hydroxy radicals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a single cell of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the weight reduction rate and the elapsed time in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Single cell (fuel cell), 2 ... Oxygen electrode (electrode), 3 ... Fuel electrode (electrode), 4 ... Electrolyte membrane (proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte)

Claims (8)

A proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte comprising a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (1):

A proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (2).

A proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (3).

A proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte characterized by having a molecular structure represented by the following general formula (4).

The paravanic acid structure ((CO) ₃ N ₂ group) in the general formulas (1) to (4) is formed by converting a urethane bond. The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte according to any one of the above.   6. The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte according to claim 1, further comprising a polyparabanic acid resin.   Provided with an oxygen electrode, a fuel electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between both electrodes, an oxidant distribution plate having an oxidant flow path formed on the oxygen electrode side, and a fuel flow distribution plate having a fuel flow path formed on the fuel electrode side A fuel cell having a unit cell as a unit cell, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane is the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte according to claim 1, wherein one or both of the oxygen electrode and the fuel electrode includes the proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte. Fuel cell.

Images