WO1997024777A1 - Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells - Google Patents
Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997024777A1 WO1997024777A1 PCT/US1996/019737 US9619737W WO9724777A1 WO 1997024777 A1 WO1997024777 A1 WO 1997024777A1 US 9619737 W US9619737 W US 9619737W WO 9724777 A1 WO9724777 A1 WO 9724777A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- poly
- phenylene oxide
- membrane
- sulfonated
- blend
- Prior art date
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- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 139
- -1 poly(phenylene oxide) Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 133
- 229920006380 polyphenylene oxide Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 67
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims description 103
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 title claims description 62
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 96
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000005518 polymer electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- ZMXDDKWLCZADIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Dimethylformamide Chemical compound CN(C)C=O ZMXDDKWLCZADIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 44
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000003014 ion exchange membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920003303 ion-exchange polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- IAZDPXIOMUYVGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethylsulphoxide Chemical compound CS(C)=O IAZDPXIOMUYVGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052723 transition metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000003624 transition metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isopropanol Chemical compound CC(C)O KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005342 ion exchange Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Methylpyrrolidone Chemical compound CN1CCCC1=O SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005251 gamma ray Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Butanone Chemical compound CCC(C)=O ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetone Chemical compound CC(C)=O CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- XTHFKEDIFFGKHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethoxyethane Chemical compound COCCOC XTHFKEDIFFGKHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tetrahydrofuran Chemical compound C1CCOC1 WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011260 aqueous acid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920003936 perfluorinated ionomer Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920002492 poly(sulfone) Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920005597 polymer membrane Polymers 0.000 abstract description 7
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 39
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 31
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 22
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 229920000557 Nafion® Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 5
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002521 macromolecule Polymers 0.000 description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000006277 sulfonation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 4
- WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Formaldehyde Chemical compound O=C WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002959 polymer blend Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 125000001424 substituent group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 3
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005341 cation exchange Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003487 electrochemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009477 glass transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012466 permeate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002620 polyvinyl fluoride Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006126 semicrystalline polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000003460 sulfonic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000007669 thermal treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- OMIHGPLIXGGMJB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hepta-1,3,5-triene Chemical class C1=CC=C2OC2=C1 OMIHGPLIXGGMJB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bisulfite Chemical compound OS([O-])=O LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dioxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FXHOOIRPVKKKFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Dimethylacetamide Chemical compound CN(C)C(C)=O FXHOOIRPVKKKFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003915 air pollution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000008044 alkali metal hydroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000010 aprotic solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002763 arrhythmic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052788 barium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium atom Chemical compound [Ba] DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010382 chemical cross-linking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007334 copolymerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002178 crystalline material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000909 electrodialysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002431 hydrogen Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920001600 hydrophobic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012442 inert solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910003002 lithium salt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 159000000002 lithium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001471 micro-filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011259 mixed solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005373 pervaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011118 polyvinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003141 primary amines Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036647 reaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003335 secondary amines Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007784 solid electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000000542 sulfonic acid group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000000108 ultra-filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- H01M10/365—Zinc-halogen accumulators
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- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/40—Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements inside cells
- H01M50/409—Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material
- H01M50/411—Organic material
- H01M50/414—Synthetic resins, e.g. thermoplastics or thermosetting resins
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D71/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by the material; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
- B01D71/06—Organic material
- B01D71/52—Polyethers
- B01D71/522—Aromatic polyethers
- B01D71/5223—Polyphenylene oxide, phenyl ether polymers or polyphenylethers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08G—MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
- C08G65/00—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain of the macromolecule
- C08G65/34—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain of the macromolecule from hydroxy compounds or their metallic derivatives
- C08G65/48—Polymers modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08G65/485—Polyphenylene oxides
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
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- C08J5/20—Manufacture of shaped structures of ion-exchange resins
- C08J5/22—Films, membranes or diaphragms
- C08J5/2206—Films, membranes or diaphragms based on organic and/or inorganic macromolecular compounds
- C08J5/2275—Heterogeneous membranes
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- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M8/1016—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
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- H01M8/102—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the chemical structure of the main chain of the ion-conducting polymer
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- H01M8/1025—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the chemical structure of the main chain of the ion-conducting polymer having only carbon and oxygen, e.g. polyethers, sulfonated polyetheretherketones [S-PEEK], sulfonated polysaccharides, sulfonated celluloses or sulfonated polyesters
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- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J2327/00—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by a halogen; Derivatives of such polymers
- C08J2327/02—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by a halogen; Derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08J2327/12—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by a halogen; Derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment containing fluorine atoms
- C08J2327/16—Homopolymers or copolymers of vinylidene fluoride
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
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- C08J2371/08—Polyethers derived from hydroxy compounds or from their metallic derivatives
- C08J2371/10—Polyethers derived from hydroxy compounds or from their metallic derivatives from phenols
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- H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
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- H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Definitions
- This invention relates to a homogeneously sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and blends of the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , their use as ion exchange membranes in electrochemical cells such as solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells and processes for preparing the membranes. Further, this invention also relates to an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing the novel blend membranes and a process for preparing the fuel cell .
- Fuel cells are electrochemical devices in which part of the energy of a chemical reaction is converted directly into direct current electrical energy.
- the direct conversion of energy into direct current electrical energy eliminates the necessity of converting energy into heat thereby avoiding the Carnot-cycle efficiency limitation of conventional methods of generating electricity.
- fuel cell technology offers the potential for fuel efficiencies two to three times higher than those of traditional power generator devices, e.g., internal combustion engines.
- fuel cells typically contain two porous electrical terminals called electrodes with an electrolyte disposed therebetween.
- an oxidant is continuously introduced at the oxidant electrode (cathode) where it contacts the electrode and forms ions thereby imparting positive charges to the cathode.
- a reductant is continuously introduced at the fuel electrode (anode) where it forms ions and leaves the anode negatively charged.
- the ions formed at the respective electrodes migrate in the electrolyte and unite while the electrical charges imparted to the electrode are utilized as electrical energy by connecting an external circuit across the electrodes.
- Fuel cell reactants are classified as oxidants and reductants on the basis of their electron acceptor or electron donor characteristics.
- Oxidants include pure oxygen, oxygen-containing gases (e.g., air) and halogens (e.g., chlorine).
- Reductants include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, natural gas, methane, ethane, formaldehyde and methanol.
- the electrolyte of the fuel cell serves as the electrochemical connection between the electrodes providing a path for ionic current in the circuit while the electrodes, made of carbon or metal, provide an electrical pathway. Further, the electrolyte prevents transfer of the reactants away from the respective electrodes where the formation of explosive mixtures can occur.
- the electrolyte utilized must not react directly to any appreciable extent with the reactants or reaction products formed during the operation of the fuel cell. Further, the electrolyte must permit the migration of ions formed during operation of the fuel cell.
- electrolytes examples include aqueous solutions of strong bases, such as alkali metal hydroxides, aqueous solutions of acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, aqueous salt electrolytes, such as sea water, fused salt electrolytes and ion-exchange polymer membranes.
- strong bases such as alkali metal hydroxides
- acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid
- aqueous salt electrolytes such as sea water
- fused salt electrolytes and ion-exchange polymer membranes ion-exchange polymer membranes.
- fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte
- PEM proton exchange polymer
- the PEM fuel cell contains a solid polymer membrane which is an "ion-exchange membrane" that acts as an electrolyte.
- the ion-exchange membrane is sandwiched between two "gas diffusion" electrodes, an anode and a cathode, each commonly containing a metal catalyst supported by an electrically conductive material.
- the gas diffusion electrodes are exposed to the respective reactant gases, the reductant gas and the oxidant gas.
- An electrochemical reaction occurs at each of the two junctions (three phase boundaries) where one of the electrodes, electrolyte polymer membrane and reactant gas interface.
- electrochemical reactions that occur at the metal catalyst sites of the electrodes are as follows: anode reaction: 2H 2 > 4H + + 4e " cathode reaction: 0 2 + 4H + + 4e' > 2H 2 0
- Ion-exchange membranes play a vital role in PEM fuel cells. Improved membranes have substantially increased power density.
- the ion- exchange membrane has two functions: (1) it acts as the electrolyte that provides ionic communication between the anode and cathode; and (2) it serves as a separator for the two reactant gases (e.g., 0 2 and H 2 ) .
- Optimized proton and water transports of the membrane and proper water management are crucial for efficient fuel cell application. Dehydration of the membrane reduces proton conductivity, and excess water can lead to swelling of the membranes and flooding of the electrodes. Both conditions result in poor cell performance.
- the ion-exchange membrane while serving as a good proton transfer membrane, also must have low permeability for the reactant gases to avoid crossover phenomena that reduce performance of the fuel cell. This is especially important in fuel cell applications in which the reactant gases are under pressure and the fuel cell is operated at elevated temperatures.
- a good ion-exchange membrane for a PEM fuel cell has to meet the following criteria: (1) chemical and electrochemical stability in the fuel cell operating environment; (2) mechanical strength and stability under cell operating conditions; (3) high proton conductivity, low permeability to reactant gas, and high water transport; and (4) low production costs.
- a variety of membranes have been developed over the years for application as solid polymer electrolytes in fuel cells. Sulfonic acids of polydivinylbenzene-styrene based copolymers have been used. Perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes developed by DuPont and Dow Chemical Company also have been used. DuPont's National ® membrane is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,282,875 and 4,330,654. Nafion ® type membranes have high stability and good performance in fuel cell operations. However, they are relatively expensive to produce.
- Sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketones) developed by Hoechst AG are described in European Patent No. 574,891, A2. These polymers can be crosslinked by primary and secondary amines. When used as membranes and tested in
- a series of low cost, sulfonated polyaromatic based systems such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,528,858 and 3,226,361, also have been investigated as membrane materials for PEM fuel cells. These materials suffer from poor chemical resistance and mechanical properties that limit their use in PEM fuel cell applications.
- Polymer blending is a simple, more feasible technology than methods that compound different polymer segments via copolymerization or the formation of inter ⁇ penetrating materials.
- Homogeneous polymer blends consist of two polymers that are miscible at the molecular level and combine the properties of the components to yield a distinct new material.
- very rarely does the blending of polymers result in a homogenous polymer blend because in general, polymers do not mix homogeneously, even when they are prepared using the same solvent. In most cases, Gibbs' free energy of mixing
- AH enthalpy of mixing
- polymers are not miscible and attempts to blend the polymers results in phase separation in the "blend” resulting in poor mechanical strength, i.e., a no -homogenous "blend” that retains the distinct phases of the pure polymers and in most cases, poor interaction between the phases occurs.
- the non-homogenous "blend” falls apart or has a much weaker structure than the original polymers.
- miscibility of polymers occurs in their amorphous regions. If one polymer in a two polymer blend is a semi-crystalline material, the crystal structure of the polymer retains its purity in the blend. However, its melting point usually decreases when the two polymers in the blend are miscible. Therefore, if two polymers are miscible, and one of the polymers is semi-crystalline, a semi-crystalline polymer blend is formed in which the amorphous structure is miscible. The different amorphous phases of the two polymers do not separate, but the crystalline component spreads within the amorphous structure and serves as "crosslink" junctures. The crosslinking term when applied to crystalline junctures does not refer to chemical crosslinking as in chemical or radiation treatment.
- the crystals are composed of macromolecules that extend into the amorphous structure and, thus interact and blend with the polymer chains of the non-crystalline polymers. Therefore, the crystalline structure is tied up to the amorphous structure in polymer blending by polymer molecules that partially take part in the building of the crystal and are partially amorphous. These polymer molecules take part in the amorphous form and interact with other miscible polymers. For example, it is expected that a polymer blend, semi-crystalline film will exhibit a much higher tensile strength than the theoretical arrhythmic weight average of the pure polymer component.
- miscible polymers in a blend will display homogeneity with regard to some desired properties such as optical clarity, glass transition temperatures and for membrane purposes, improved mass transport properties.
- desired properties such as optical clarity, glass transition temperatures and for membrane purposes, improved mass transport properties.
- Y. Maeda et al. Polymer, 26, 2055 (1985) report the preparation of blend membranes of poly(dimethylphenylene oxide) -polystyrene for gas permeation. They found this system to exhibit permeation rates unlike the permeation rates of either of the blend's polymer components.
- PVF 2 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) , PVF 2 , is a hydrophobic polymer that is used as a membrane in microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Bernstein et al. , Macromolecules, 10, 681 (1977) report that a blend of PVF 2 with poly(vinyl acetate) increases hydrophilicity of such hydrophobic membrane, which is needed in order to ultrafiltrate aqueous solutions. They found the macromolecules of the two polymers to be miscible at the molecular level. However, very few scientific tools are provided to predict a blend polymer membrane suitable for use in electrochemical cells.
- Another object of the invention is »to provide an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a high current density, e.g., between 1 A/cm 2 and 2 A/cm 2 at 0.5
- Another object is to provide novel homogeneous blends of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with poly(vinylidene fluoride).
- this invention concerns an improved polymer electrolyte membrane, the improvement in which the membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between about 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between about 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1.
- this invention concerns an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing a ion-exchange polymer membrane as electrolyte sandwiched between an electrochemicaUy reactive porous anode and cathode, the improvement in which the ion-exchange polymer membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and 20 to l, the fuel cell having a current density between about 1 A/cm 2 and
- this invention relates to a blend ion-exchange membrane for electrochemical cells comprised of a blend of sulfonated ion exchange poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and 20 to 1, the blend being prepared by the following process steps: a.
- sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinyl fluoride) separately dissolving sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinyl fluoride) in respective solvents; b. mixing the polymer solutions together in a weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinyl fluoride) between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1 to form a blend solution; c. casting the blend solution onto a clean surface; and d. drying the cast blend solution for a time sufficient to evaporate the solvent (s) and form a dry blend membrane having a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 200 micrometers.
- FIG. 1 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V)) vs. current density (A/cm 2 ) for a fuel cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 85 wt% sulfonated PPO and 15 wt% PVF 2 and a platinum (Pt) -carbon
- FIG. 2 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V) ) and power density (W/cm 2 ) vs. current density (A/cm 2 ) for a fuel cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 80 wt% sulfonated PPO and 20 wt% PVF 2 and a Pt-C/PTFE electrode (Pt loading is 0.17 mg/cm 2 ) at 70°C, 30 psig.
- V cell voltage
- W/cm 2 power density
- A/cm 2 current density
- FIG. 5 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V) ) vs. current density (A/cm 2 ) for a f el cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 80 wt% sulfonated PPO and 20 wt%
- Pt loading 0.17 mg/cm 2
- H 2 /0 2 gas reactants 0.17 mg/cm 2
- H 2 /air gas reactants 0.17 mg/cm 2
- FIG. 6 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 2000X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 1000X of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 200X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 20OX of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 3000X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 1000X of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention.
- the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer used in this invention has a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit :
- Rj and R 2 are each selected from the group of substituents consisting of H, S0 3 H and S0 3 M, wherein n is an integer greater than 40, and M is selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal, and a transition metal.
- substituents are more frequently S0 3 H and S0 3 M than H, the polymer has a higher charge density and is more soluble in water. Conversely, when H is more frequently the substituent, the polymer has lower charge densities.
- Suitable alkaline metals include sodium, lithium and potassium; suitable alkaline earth metals include calcium, barium, magnesium and aluminum; and suitable transition metals include chromium and iron.
- R, and R 2 each include the lithium salt of sulfonic acid and sulfonic acid groups in the recurring unit.
- Sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymers suitable for use in applicants' invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,348,569 and 5,364,454, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
- One homogeneous process involves dissolving precursor aromatic polymers in an inert solvent; adding and mixing a sulfonation agent at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid any significant sulfonation reaction, and raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to cause sulfonation of the precursor aromatic polymer.
- the homogeneously sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer in salt form is very soluble in common solvents, such as alcohols, ketones, aprotic solvents and mixtures of these solvents with water.
- the degree of sulfonation is measured by the ionic charge density, ICD, and expressed in meq/g (which is the milliequivalent of S0 3 -/gram of polymer) .
- a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having an ionic charge density of about 3.0 meq/g.
- the resultant membranes have enhanced selectivity, permeability, and mechanical strength, and are easily crosslinked by - ray radiation, ultra violet (UV) radiation and thermal treatment.
- applicants' sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymers can be copolymerized with other polymers.
- a sulfonated poly(polyphenylene oxide) as defined herein forms a homogeneous blend with poly(vinylidene fluoride) which may advantageously be used as a polymer membrane electrolyte.
- Sulfonated PPO is an amorphous cation exchange polymer
- PVF 2 is a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.
- PVF 2 is a semi-crystalline polymer that displays up to 50% semi-crystallinity. It is soluble in solvents like dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) , N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) , dimethylacetamide, and dimethylformamide (DMF) .
- PVF 2 is a non-crosslinked, rubbery polymer where the hard crystalline domains serve as crosslinking junctures in the blend.
- blends of PVF 2 with sulfonated PPO polymer, as defined herein exhibit distinct melting points of the crystalline domain of PVF 2 between 155°C and 158°C, and have a much higher modulus and tensile strength than sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) has.
- some compositions of such blends have unexpectedly higher ionic conductivity than sulfonated PPO has.
- Applicants further have found there is reduced swelling in blend membranes according to applicants' invention. It is believed that the PVF 2 in the blend reduces the absorption of water in the blend membrane when submerged in water.
- the percent water absorbed (W) is less than about 25%.
- blends are made by dissolving sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) in a solution with solvent, dissolving poly(vinylidene fluoride) in a solution with solvent and mixing the solutions together.
- the blend membrane then is obtained by casting this mixed solution onto a clean glass surface with a Doctor knife and drying the solution for a time period sufficient to evaporate essentially all of the solvent, leaving a dry, translucent white film having a thickness greater than about 10 micrometers ( ⁇ m) , preferably greater than about 40 ⁇ m, less than about 200 ⁇ m and preferably less than about 150 ⁇ m.
- ⁇ m micrometers
- the weight ratio of suifonated-poly(phenylene oxide) to the PVF 2 in the blend according to this invention is about 1 to 1 and above, preferably greater than about 3 to 1, and more preferably about 4 to 1 and above. Also, the weight ratio of sulfonated- poly(phenylene oxide) to the PVF 2 in the blend is less than about 20 to 1, preferably less than about 9 to 1, and more preferably less than about 6 to 1.
- the sulfonated PPO preferably comprises from 50% to 90% by weight of the blend and PVF 2 comprises from 50% to 10% of the blend. Most preferred are blends where the sulfonated PPO comprises between about 80 wt % and about 85 wt % of the blend, the balance being the PVF 2 . If desired, the mechanical strength of blend membranes of this invention can be further increased by ⁇ - ray radiation, UV radiation and/or by thermal treatment.
- the sulfonated PPO membrane and the blend membranes of this invention bond easily to electrodes at room temperature without requiring the application of pressure.
- a good interface is formed between electrodes and the sulfonated PPO membrane or blend membranes of this invention in the membrane electrode assembly. Electrodes are treated in the usual way with a solution of proton exchange polymer that can be selected from Nafion ® solution dissolved in alcohol and the sulfonated PPO, or other soluble high charge density cation exchange polymers.
- the homogeneous blend membrane of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with thermoplastic polymer PVF 2 of the present invention has the following advantages: (1) Easy to produce a large series of membranes with different ratios of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and PVF 2 ; (2) Possible to introduce different copolymers of PVF 2 into blends with sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) ; (3) some sulfonated PPO/PVF 2 blend membranes have higher conductivity than pure sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) membranes; (4) Blend membranes have higher flexibility and mechanical strength than pure sulfonated PPO membranes; (5) Blend membranes have lower swelling ratios in water than pure sulfonated PPO. Therefore, these membranes can be used as follows: (1) As a polymer electrolyte membrane for hydrogen/oxygen electrochemical fuel cells.
- DMF dimethylformamide
- This dry membrane was put into water for 0.5 h and then placed between two Pt (Pt loading was 0.17 mg/cm 2 ) /carbon-PTFE fuel cell electrodes without application of pressing or elevated pressure and at room temperature. Before insertion of the membrane, the electrodes were treated with proton exchange interface materials. The conductivity of the wet membrane at 45°C was 0.019 S/cm. The PEM fuel cell (5 cm 2 ) was tested at 45°C, at 30 psig with 0 2 /H 2 as the reactant gases. FIG. 1 shows the polarization curve of this blend membrane fuel cell. It had an open cell voltage of 0.95 V and at 0.3 V, the fuel cell displayed 2 A/cm 2 current density. Mass transfer limitations of flooding or drying were not observed at this current.
- FIG. 2 shows the polarization curve of this PEM fuel cell.
- the maximum current density achieved was 4 A/cm 2 at 70°C, 30 psig of 0 2 /H 2 reactant gas.
- the maximum power density under these conditions was 1.08 W/cm 2 .
- FIG. 3 gives comparison I-V curves of a fuel cell made using a Nafion 112 membrane and a fuel cell made using the blend membrane prepared according to this example.
- the sulfonated PPO membrane was cast by a Doctor knife on a clean surface glass plate. The membrane was dried in dry air atmosphere for 48 h and then put in an oven at 70°C for 24 h. The sulfonated membrane was transparent with a light yellow-brown color. The thickness of the membrane was 120 ⁇ m. The membrane then was placed in 0.1 N HCl solution for 1 h. The ICD of this membrane was measured as 3.0 meq/g. The swelling ratio of this membrane in water was 25% at 30 * C and 31% at 80°C.
- Conductivity of the membrane at 45°C was 0.016 S/cm.
- a PEM fuel cell was made according to the same process as Example 1.
- FIG. 4 shows the I-V curve of this fuel cell in H 2 /0 2 and H 2 /air reactants. The fuel cell was run 300 h at 1 A/cm 2 without decreased performance (platinum loading on Pt/C (PTFE) electrode was 0.17 mg/cm 2 ) . It had an open cell voltage of 1.04 V.
- Example 3 The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was crosslinked by ⁇ - ray radiation.
- the I-V polarization exhibited by the PEM fuel cell was 0.9 A/cm 2 at 0.5V.
- Example 3 The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the solvent used was DMF.
- the I-V polarization exhibited by this fuel cell was 1 A/cm 2 at 0.5V at 45°C.
- EXAMPLE 6 The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was subjected to crosslinking by heat treatment at 80°C for 5 minutes.
- the PEM fuel cell exhibited an I-V polarization of 0.60 A/cm 2 at 0.5 V.
- Example 3 The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was exposed to UV radiation for 30 minutes.
- the PEM fuel cell exhibited an I-V polarization of 1.1 A/cm 2 at 0.5 V.
- EXAMPLE 8 The same procedure was employed as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF 2 was 75:25. Table 1 below sets forth the conductivity (S/cm), % water absorption (W 2 ) , open cell voltage (V) , current density (I) at 0.5V (A/cm 2 and test time (h) measured for this fuel cell. Table 1. Properties and Performance of Sulfonated PP0-PVF 2 (Lower Molecular Weight) Blend Membranes and Their Fuel Cells
- Example 2 The same procedures were used as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF 2 was 70:30. Table 1 above sets forth conductivity, % water absorbed, open cell voltage, current density at 0.5V and the test time for this fuel cell.
- Example 2 The same procedures were used as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF 2 was 65:35. Table 1 above sets forth conductivity, % water absorbed, open cell voltage, current density at 0.5V and the test time measured for this fuel cell.
- Example 1 The same procedures were used in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF 2 was 50:50. Table 1 summarizes properties and performance of these membranes (Examples 1-11) .
- 8g of sulfonated PPO-DMF solution and 2 g of PVF 2 -DMF solution were blended by mixing the two solutions at room temperature for 0.5 h. This blend had an 80:20 weight ratio of sulfonated-PPO:high molecular weight PVF 2 .
- the blend solution was poured onto a clean surface glass plate, and cast by a Doctor knife.
- FIG. 5 shows the polarization curves of the PEM fuel cell made using this membrane at 60°C and 30 psig pressure of reactant gases.
- FIG. 6 shows SEM photographs of this membrane.
- This membrane can absorb 9.9 water molecular per charge at 80°C.
- EXAMPLE 13 The same procedure was used as in Example 12, except the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to High molecular weight PVF 2 was 70:30.
- the fuel cell assembly using this membrane has a good performance under higher operated temperature (80°C) .
- FIG. 7 shows the polarization curve of the PEM fuel cell made using this membrane at 80°C and 30 psig pressure using H 2 /as reactant gas.
- FIG. 8 shows SEM photographs of this membrane. The conductivity of this membrane is 0.208 S/cm at 80°C and its water uptake is 7.4 nH 2 0/charge. This PEM fuel cell tested at 80°C for 300 hours without a decrease in performance
- Example 12 The same procedure was used as in Example 12, except the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF 2
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Abstract
Solid polymer membranes comprised of a high charge density sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) alone or blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) in varied ratios have improved membrane characteristics. These membranes possess very high ionic conductivity, are inexpensive and suitable for solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, especially for the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. PEM fuel cell assemblies with this membrane have enhanced performance.
Description
BLEND MEMBRANES BASED ON SULFONATED POLY(PHENYLENE OXIDE) FOR ENHANCED POLYMER ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a homogeneously sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and blends of the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , their use as ion exchange membranes in electrochemical cells such as solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells and processes for preparing the membranes. Further, this invention also relates to an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing the novel blend membranes and a process for preparing the fuel cell .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fuel cells are electrochemical devices in which part of the energy of a chemical reaction is converted directly into direct current electrical energy. The direct conversion of energy into direct current electrical energy eliminates the necessity of converting energy into heat thereby avoiding the Carnot-cycle efficiency limitation of conventional methods of generating electricity. Thus, without the limitation of the Carnot-cycle, fuel cell technology offers the potential for fuel efficiencies two to three times higher than those of traditional power generator devices, e.g., internal combustion engines.
Other advantages of fuel cells are quietness, cleanliness (lack of air pollution) and the reduction or the complete elimination of moving parts.
Typically, fuel cells contain two porous electrical terminals called electrodes with an electrolyte disposed therebetween. In the operation of a typical fuel cell, an oxidant is continuously introduced at the oxidant electrode (cathode) where it contacts the electrode and forms ions thereby imparting positive charges to the cathode. Simultaneously, a reductant is continuously
introduced at the fuel electrode (anode) where it forms ions and leaves the anode negatively charged. The ions formed at the respective electrodes migrate in the electrolyte and unite while the electrical charges imparted to the electrode are utilized as electrical energy by connecting an external circuit across the electrodes. Fuel cell reactants are classified as oxidants and reductants on the basis of their electron acceptor or electron donor characteristics. Oxidants include pure oxygen, oxygen-containing gases (e.g., air) and halogens (e.g., chlorine). Reductants include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, natural gas, methane, ethane, formaldehyde and methanol.
The electrolyte of the fuel cell serves as the electrochemical connection between the electrodes providing a path for ionic current in the circuit while the electrodes, made of carbon or metal, provide an electrical pathway. Further, the electrolyte prevents transfer of the reactants away from the respective electrodes where the formation of explosive mixtures can occur. The electrolyte utilized must not react directly to any appreciable extent with the reactants or reaction products formed during the operation of the fuel cell. Further, the electrolyte must permit the migration of ions formed during operation of the fuel cell. Examples of electrolytes that have been used are aqueous solutions of strong bases, such as alkali metal hydroxides, aqueous solutions of acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, aqueous salt electrolytes, such as sea water, fused salt electrolytes and ion-exchange polymer membranes. One type of fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte
(PEM) fuel cell which is based on a proton exchange polymer membrane. The PEM fuel cell contains a solid polymer membrane which is an "ion-exchange membrane" that acts as an electrolyte. The ion-exchange membrane is sandwiched between two "gas diffusion" electrodes, an
anode and a cathode, each commonly containing a metal catalyst supported by an electrically conductive material. The gas diffusion electrodes are exposed to the respective reactant gases, the reductant gas and the oxidant gas. An electrochemical reaction occurs at each of the two junctions (three phase boundaries) where one of the electrodes, electrolyte polymer membrane and reactant gas interface.
For example, when oxygen is the oxidant gas and hydrogen is the reductant gas, the anode is supplied with hydrogen and the cathode with oxygen. The overall chemical reaction in this process is: 2H2 + 02 > 2H20.
The electrochemical reactions that occur at the metal catalyst sites of the electrodes are as follows: anode reaction: 2H2 > 4H+ + 4e" cathode reaction: 02 + 4H+ + 4e' > 2H20
During fuel cell operation, hydrogen permeates through the anode and interacts with the metal catalyst, producing electrons and protons. The electrons are conducted via an electronic route through the electrically conductive material and the external circuit to the cathode, while the protons are simultaneously transferred via an ionic route through the polymer electrolyte membrane to the cathode. Concurrently, oxygen permeates to the catalyst sites of the cathode, where the oxygen gains electrons and reacts with the protons to yield water. Consequently, the products of the PEM fuel cell reactions are water and electricity. In the PEM fuel cell, current is conducted simultaneously through ionic and electronic routes. Efficiency of the PEM fuel cell is largely dependent on the ability to minimize both ionic and electronic resistivity to current.
Ion-exchange membranes play a vital role in PEM fuel cells. Improved membranes have substantially increased power density. In PEM fuel cells, the ion- exchange membrane has two functions: (1) it acts as the
electrolyte that provides ionic communication between the anode and cathode; and (2) it serves as a separator for the two reactant gases (e.g., 02 and H2) .
Optimized proton and water transports of the membrane and proper water management are crucial for efficient fuel cell application. Dehydration of the membrane reduces proton conductivity, and excess water can lead to swelling of the membranes and flooding of the electrodes. Both conditions result in poor cell performance. In the fuel cell, the ion-exchange membrane, while serving as a good proton transfer membrane, also must have low permeability for the reactant gases to avoid crossover phenomena that reduce performance of the fuel cell. This is especially important in fuel cell applications in which the reactant gases are under pressure and the fuel cell is operated at elevated temperatures. Therefore, a good ion-exchange membrane for a PEM fuel cell has to meet the following criteria: (1) chemical and electrochemical stability in the fuel cell operating environment; (2) mechanical strength and stability under cell operating conditions; (3) high proton conductivity, low permeability to reactant gas, and high water transport; and (4) low production costs.
A variety of membranes have been developed over the years for application as solid polymer electrolytes in fuel cells. Sulfonic acids of polydivinylbenzene-styrene based copolymers have been used. Perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes developed by DuPont and Dow Chemical Company also have been used. DuPont's Nation® membrane is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,282,875 and 4,330,654. Nafion® type membranes have high stability and good performance in fuel cell operations. However, they are relatively expensive to produce.
Alternatively, a series of low cost, ion-exchange membranes for PEM fuel cells have been investigated. U.S. Patent No. 5,422,411 describes
trifluorostyrene copolymers that have shown promising performance data as membranes in PEM fuel cells.
Sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketones) developed by Hoechst AG are described in European Patent No. 574,891, A2. These polymers can be crosslinked by primary and secondary amines. When used as membranes and tested in
PEM fuel cells, these polymers exhibited only modest cell performance.
A series of low cost, sulfonated polyaromatic based systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,528,858 and 3,226,361, also have been investigated as membrane materials for PEM fuel cells. These materials suffer from poor chemical resistance and mechanical properties that limit their use in PEM fuel cell applications. Polymer blending is a simple, more feasible technology than methods that compound different polymer segments via copolymerization or the formation of inter¬ penetrating materials. Homogeneous polymer blends consist of two polymers that are miscible at the molecular level and combine the properties of the components to yield a distinct new material. However, very rarely does the blending of polymers result in a homogenous polymer blend because in general, polymers do not mix homogeneously, even when they are prepared using the same solvent. In most cases, Gibbs' free energy of mixing
[ΔG=ΔH-TΔS] of polymers is a positive value because the entropy of mixing (ΔS) of high molecular macromolecules approaches zero when the molecular weight of the polymers is greater than 10,000. Unless the enthalpy of mixing (AH) is negative or at least equal to zero, polymers are not miscible and attempts to blend the polymers results in phase separation in the "blend" resulting in poor mechanical strength, i.e., a no -homogenous "blend" that retains the distinct phases of the pure polymers and in most cases, poor interaction between the phases occurs.
Thus, the non-homogenous "blend" falls apart or has a much weaker structure than the original polymers.
Miscibility of polymers occurs in their amorphous regions. If one polymer in a two polymer blend is a semi-crystalline material, the crystal structure of the polymer retains its purity in the blend. However, its melting point usually decreases when the two polymers in the blend are miscible. Therefore, if two polymers are miscible, and one of the polymers is semi-crystalline, a semi-crystalline polymer blend is formed in which the amorphous structure is miscible. The different amorphous phases of the two polymers do not separate, but the crystalline component spreads within the amorphous structure and serves as "crosslink" junctures. The crosslinking term when applied to crystalline junctures does not refer to chemical crosslinking as in chemical or radiation treatment. Rather in this context, it refers to what occurs because the crystals are composed of macromolecules that extend into the amorphous structure and, thus interact and blend with the polymer chains of the non-crystalline polymers. Therefore, the crystalline structure is tied up to the amorphous structure in polymer blending by polymer molecules that partially take part in the building of the crystal and are partially amorphous. These polymer molecules take part in the amorphous form and interact with other miscible polymers. For example, it is expected that a polymer blend, semi-crystalline film will exhibit a much higher tensile strength than the theoretical arrhythmic weight average of the pure polymer component. Also, it is expected that miscible polymers in a blend will display homogeneity with regard to some desired properties such as optical clarity, glass transition temperatures and for membrane purposes, improved mass transport properties. Considerable research has been done in attempts
to prepare blend polymer membranes. However, only a few membrane systems have been discovered. Y. Maeda et al. , Polymer, 26, 2055 (1985) report the preparation of blend membranes of poly(dimethylphenylene oxide) -polystyrene for gas permeation. They found this system to exhibit permeation rates unlike the permeation rates of either of the blend's polymer components.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) , PVF2, is a hydrophobic polymer that is used as a membrane in microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Bernstein et al. , Macromolecules, 10, 681 (1977) report that a blend of PVF2 with poly(vinyl acetate) increases hydrophilicity of such hydrophobic membrane, which is needed in order to ultrafiltrate aqueous solutions. They found the macromolecules of the two polymers to be miscible at the molecular level. However, very few scientific tools are provided to predict a blend polymer membrane suitable for use in electrochemical cells.
It is, therefore, an objective of the invention to produce a low cost, easy to prepare ion-exchange polymer membrane with favorable chemical and mechanical properties for PEM fuel cell and other electrochemical applications.
Another object of the invention is »to provide an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a high current density, e.g., between 1 A/cm2 and 2 A/cm2 at 0.5
♦ V, using a very low loading electrode equivalent to a platinum loading of between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/cm2 on a platinum/carbon/PTFE electrode at 30 psi reactant gases.
Another object is to provide novel homogeneous blends of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with poly(vinylidene fluoride).
It also is an object of this invention to provide a process for preparing the novel blends and for preparing PEM fuel cells utilizing the novel blends as ion-exchange membranes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objectives and criteria for the solid electrolyte membrane mentioned above can be achieved by the practice of this invention. In one aspect, this invention concerns an improved polymer electrolyte membrane, the improvement in which the membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between about 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between about 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1.
In another aspect, this invention concerns an improved solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing a ion-exchange polymer membrane as electrolyte sandwiched between an electrochemicaUy reactive porous anode and cathode, the improvement in which the ion-exchange polymer membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and 20 to l, the fuel cell having a current density between about 1 A/cm2 and about 2 A/cm2 at 0.5 V, using an electrode having the equivalent of a platinum catalyst loading between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/cm2 on a platinum/carbon/PTFE electrode at 30 psi reactant gases.
In yet another aspect, this invention relates to a blend ion-exchange membrane for electrochemical cells comprised of a blend of sulfonated ion exchange poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between 15,000 and 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between 1 and 3.9 meq/g, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and 20 to 1, the blend being prepared by the following process steps: a. separately dissolving sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinyl fluoride) in respective solvents; b. mixing the polymer solutions together in a weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinyl fluoride) between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1 to form a blend solution; c. casting the blend solution onto a clean surface; and d. drying the cast blend solution for a time sufficient to evaporate the solvent (s) and form a dry blend membrane having a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 200 micrometers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V)) vs. current density (A/cm2) for a fuel cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 85 wt% sulfonated PPO and 15 wt% PVF2 and a platinum (Pt) -carbon
(C) /polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) electrode (Pt loading is 0.17 mg/cm2) at 45°C, 30 psig, and a cell area of 5 cm2.
FIG. 2 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V) ) and power density (W/cm2) vs. current density (A/cm2) for a fuel cell assembly according to this
invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 80 wt% sulfonated PPO and 20 wt% PVF2 and a Pt-C/PTFE electrode (Pt loading is 0.17 mg/cm2) at 70°C, 30 psig.
FIG. 3 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V)) vs. Current density (A/cm2) for two fuel cell assembles, one (•) made according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 80 wt% sulfonated PPO to 20 wt% PVF2 (Mw=60,000), and the other (Δ) having a Nafion 112 membrane with Pt/CPTFE electrode (Pt loading = 0.17 mg/cm2) using H2/02 gas reactant at 45°C, 30 psig. Both membranes had a thickness of 50 micrometers.
FIG. 4 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V)) vs. current density (A/cm2) for two fuel cell assemblies according to this invention having a sulfonated PPO membrane with ICD = 2.97 meq/g and using a Pt-C/(PTFE) electrode (pt loading is 0.17 mg/cm2) at 45°C and 30 psig, one (Δ) using H2/02 gas reactants; and the other (•) using H2/air gas reactants.
FIG. 5 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage (V) ) vs. current density (A/cm2) for a f el cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a ratio of 80 wt% sulfonated PPO and 20 wt%
PVF2 (molecular weight Mw=350,000) and a Pt-C/PTFE electrode (Pt loading is 0.17 mg/cm2) at 45°C, 30 psig (O) using H2/02 gas reactants; (•) using H2/air gas reactants.
FIG. 6 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 2000X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 1000X of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention. The blend membrane comprises 80 wt% sulfonated PPO and 20 wt% PVF2 (Mw=350,000) .
FIG. 7 is a graph of fuel cell potential (cell voltage v. Current density) for a fuel cell assembly according to this invention having a blend membrane in a
ratio of 70 wt% of sulfonated PPO to 30 wt% PVF2 (Mw=350,000) and a Pt-C/PTFE electrode (Pt loading = 0.2 mg/cm2) at 80°C, 30 psig using H2/air gas reactants.
FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 200X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 20OX of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention. The blend membrane comprises 70 wt% sulfonated PPO and 30 wt% PVF2 (Mw=350,000) .
FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph magnified 3000X of a cross-section of a blend membrane according to the present invention and a SEM photograph magnified 1000X of a surface of the blend membrane according to the present invention. The blend membrane comprises 50 wt% sulfonated PPO and 50 wt% PVF2 (Mw=350,000) .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer used in this invention has a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit :
where Rj and R2 are each selected from the group of substituents consisting of H, S03H and S03M, wherein n is an integer greater than 40, and M is selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal, and a transition metal. When the substituents are
more frequently S03H and S03M than H, the polymer has a higher charge density and is more soluble in water. Conversely, when H is more frequently the substituent, the polymer has lower charge densities.
Suitable alkaline metals include sodium, lithium and potassium; suitable alkaline earth metals include calcium, barium, magnesium and aluminum; and suitable transition metals include chromium and iron. Preferably, R, and R2 each include the lithium salt of sulfonic acid and sulfonic acid groups in the recurring unit. Sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymers suitable for use in applicants' invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,348,569 and 5,364,454, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
It is critical to prepare the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxides by a homogeneous process. One homogeneous process involves dissolving precursor aromatic polymers in an inert solvent; adding and mixing a sulfonation agent at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid any significant sulfonation reaction, and raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to cause sulfonation of the precursor aromatic polymer.
The homogeneously sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer in salt form is very soluble in common solvents, such as alcohols, ketones, aprotic solvents and mixtures of these solvents with water. The degree of sulfonation is measured by the ionic charge density, ICD, and expressed in meq/g (which is the milliequivalent of S03-/gram of polymer) .
Applicants have discovered that when certain sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymers as described herein having (1) molecular weights greater than about 15,000, preferably greater than about 30,000, more preferably greater than about 50,000, and less than about 10,000,000, preferably less than about 1,000,000 and (2) an ion charge density greater than about 1.0 meq/g,
preferably greater than about 1.7 meq/g, more preferably greater than about 2.0 meq/g, and less than about 3.9 meq/g, preferably less than about 3.5 meq/g, are used alone or blended with certain poly(vinylidene fluoride)polymers, electrolyte membranes having improved characteristics may be formed. Most preferred is a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having an ionic charge density of about 3.0 meq/g. Specifically, the resultant membranes have enhanced selectivity, permeability, and mechanical strength, and are easily crosslinked by - ray radiation, ultra violet (UV) radiation and thermal treatment. Moreover, applicants' sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymers can be copolymerized with other polymers.
Applicants also have discovered that a sulfonated poly(polyphenylene oxide) as defined herein forms a homogeneous blend with poly(vinylidene fluoride) which may advantageously be used as a polymer membrane electrolyte. Sulfonated PPO is an amorphous cation exchange polymer, while PVF2 is a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. PVF2 is a semi-crystalline polymer that displays up to 50% semi-crystallinity. It is soluble in solvents like dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) , N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) , dimethylacetamide, and dimethylformamide (DMF) . Its crystal melting point is between 155°C and 163°C and its glass transition temperature is between -30°C and -10°C. Therefore, PVF2 is a non-crosslinked, rubbery polymer where the hard crystalline domains serve as crosslinking junctures in the blend. Applicants have surprisingly found that blends of PVF2 with sulfonated PPO polymer, as defined herein, exhibit distinct melting points of the crystalline domain of PVF2 between 155°C and 158°C, and have a much higher modulus and tensile strength than sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) has. Moreover, applicants have
discovered that some compositions of such blends have unexpectedly higher ionic conductivity than sulfonated PPO has. This is surprising since one would have expected that blending poly(vinylidene fluoride) with sulfonated PPO would decrease ionic conductivity. Higher ionic conductivity using a blend membrane according to applicants' invention means the fuel cells have better performance than a fuel cell using a sulfonated PPO membrane.
Applicants further have found there is reduced swelling in blend membranes according to applicants' invention. It is believed that the PVF2 in the blend reduces the absorption of water in the blend membrane when submerged in water. The percent water absorbed (W) is less than about 25%. Applicants' blends are made by dissolving sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) in a solution with solvent, dissolving poly(vinylidene fluoride) in a solution with solvent and mixing the solutions together. The blend membrane then is obtained by casting this mixed solution onto a clean glass surface with a Doctor knife and drying the solution for a time period sufficient to evaporate essentially all of the solvent, leaving a dry, translucent white film having a thickness greater than about 10 micrometers (μm) , preferably greater than about 40 μm, less than about 200 μm and preferably less than about 150 μm.
The weight ratio of suifonated-poly(phenylene oxide) to the PVF2 in the blend according to this invention is about 1 to 1 and above, preferably greater than about 3 to 1, and more preferably about 4 to 1 and above. Also, the weight ratio of sulfonated- poly(phenylene oxide) to the PVF2 in the blend is less than about 20 to 1, preferably less than about 9 to 1, and more preferably less than about 6 to 1. The sulfonated PPO preferably comprises from 50% to 90% by weight of the
blend and PVF2 comprises from 50% to 10% of the blend. Most preferred are blends where the sulfonated PPO comprises between about 80 wt % and about 85 wt % of the blend, the balance being the PVF2. If desired, the mechanical strength of blend membranes of this invention can be further increased by γ - ray radiation, UV radiation and/or by thermal treatment.
Unlike conventional membranes like Nafion® which must be pressed onto electrodes at elevated temperatures of 120°C to 150°C and pressures of 200 psi to 1,000 psi, the sulfonated PPO membrane and the blend membranes of this invention bond easily to electrodes at room temperature without requiring the application of pressure. A good interface is formed between electrodes and the sulfonated PPO membrane or blend membranes of this invention in the membrane electrode assembly. Electrodes are treated in the usual way with a solution of proton exchange polymer that can be selected from Nafion® solution dissolved in alcohol and the sulfonated PPO, or other soluble high charge density cation exchange polymers. The performance of the PEM fuel cells made by this invention were compared with the performance of perfluorinated Nafion® membranes in the same experimental set up and conditions and were found to be equal or better. The higher densities obtained with applicants' fuel cell were measured under one set of conditions. Of course, it is obvious to a skilled person that even higher current densities can be obtained with applicants' fuel cell under different conditions. For example, higher current densities can be obtained by using thinner membranes, higher reactant gas pressures and/or higher temperatures of operation.
The homogeneous blend membrane of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) with thermoplastic polymer PVF2 of the present invention has the following advantages: (1) Easy to produce a large series of membranes with different
ratios of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and PVF2; (2) Possible to introduce different copolymers of PVF2 into blends with sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) ; (3) some sulfonated PPO/PVF2 blend membranes have higher conductivity than pure sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) membranes; (4) Blend membranes have higher flexibility and mechanical strength than pure sulfonated PPO membranes; (5) Blend membranes have lower swelling ratios in water than pure sulfonated PPO. Therefore, these membranes can be used as follows: (1) As a polymer electrolyte membrane for hydrogen/oxygen electrochemical fuel cells.
(2) Electrode separation in secondary batteries.
(3) As ion-exchange membranes in electrodialysis, in which membranes are employed to separate components of an ionic solution under the driving force of an electrical current.
(4) Membranes in gas separation and pervaporation due to the enhanced selectivity and permeability of homogeneously sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) .
The following examples illustrate applicant's invention, but should not be construed as limiting the invention: EXAMPLE 1
A light yellow sulfonated PPO polymer in the Li+ form (Mw = 50,000) was immersed in IN HCl solution for several hours at room temperature. This step exchanges Li+ with H+ in the S03- group. The polymer was then washed carefully in D.I. water to rinse the excess acid. The wet sulfonated PPO in the H+ form was put in a vacuum oven for 24 h at 40°C. The sulfonated PPO was then dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) to form a 20 wt% solution. A 20 wt% solution of poly(vinylidene fluoride) , PVF2 (M^, = 60,000), in DMF was prepared separately. Then,
2.55 g of sulfonated PPO-DMF solution and 0.45g of PVF2- DMF solution were blended by mixing the two solutions at room temperature for 1 h. This blend has a 85:15 weight ratio of sulfonated-PPO:PVF2. This blend solution was poured onto a clean glass plate surface and cast by a Doctor knife. This was then placed in a chamber under dry air flow for 48 h to evaporate most of the DMF. The final membrane was a dry, translucent, white with a 50 μm thickness. The ICD of this membrane was 2.9 meq/g.
This dry membrane was put into water for 0.5 h and then placed between two Pt (Pt loading was 0.17 mg/cm2) /carbon-PTFE fuel cell electrodes without application of pressing or elevated pressure and at room temperature. Before insertion of the membrane, the electrodes were treated with proton exchange interface materials. The conductivity of the wet membrane at 45°C was 0.019 S/cm. The PEM fuel cell (5 cm2) was tested at 45°C, at 30 psig with 02/H2 as the reactant gases. FIG. 1 shows the polarization curve of this blend membrane fuel cell. It had an open cell voltage of 0.95 V and at 0.3 V, the fuel cell displayed 2 A/cm2 current density. Mass transfer limitations of flooding or drying were not observed at this current.
EXAMPLE 2 20 wt% sulfonated-PPO Li+ form polymer (M„ =
50,000) was dissolved in DMF and 20 wt% of PVF2 (Mw = 60,000) was dissolved in DMF, separately. Then, the two solutions were mixed in a weight ratio of sulfonated-PPO to PVF2 of 80:20. This blended solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The blend solution was poured onto a clean surface glass plate, and cast by a Doctor knife. The cast solution then was placed in a chamber under dry air for 48 h. After the membrane had dried, it then was placed into 0.5 N HCl solution for exchange of Li+ to be converted to proton form. The cast membrane was
55 μm thick and in the wet state, has a conductivity of 0.22 S/cm at 45°C.
This polymer electrolyte blend membrane then was placed between two electrodes at ambient temperature and in the absence of any elevated pressure. FIG. 2 shows the polarization curve of this PEM fuel cell. The maximum current density achieved was 4 A/cm2 at 70°C, 30 psig of 02/H2 reactant gas. The maximum power density under these conditions was 1.08 W/cm2. FIG. 3 gives comparison I-V curves of a fuel cell made using a Nafion 112 membrane and a fuel cell made using the blend membrane prepared according to this example.
EXAMPLE 3
25 wt% of sulfonated PPO Li+ form polymer (1% = 50,000) was dissolved in isopropanol. No second polymer was added. The sulfonated PPO membrane was cast by a Doctor knife on a clean surface glass plate. The membrane was dried in dry air atmosphere for 48 h and then put in an oven at 70°C for 24 h. The sulfonated membrane was transparent with a light yellow-brown color. The thickness of the membrane was 120 μm. The membrane then was placed in 0.1 N HCl solution for 1 h. The ICD of this membrane was measured as 3.0 meq/g. The swelling ratio of this membrane in water was 25% at 30*C and 31% at 80°C. Conductivity of the membrane at 45°C was 0.016 S/cm. A PEM fuel cell was made according to the same process as Example 1. FIG. 4 shows the I-V curve of this fuel cell in H2/02 and H2/air reactants. The fuel cell was run 300 h at 1 A/cm2 without decreased performance (platinum loading on Pt/C (PTFE) electrode was 0.17 mg/cm2) . It had an open cell voltage of 1.04 V.
EXAMPLE 4
The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was crosslinked by γ - ray
radiation. The I-V polarization exhibited by the PEM fuel cell was 0.9 A/cm2 at 0.5V.
EXAMPLE 5
The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the solvent used was DMF. The I-V polarization exhibited by this fuel cell was 1 A/cm2 at 0.5V at 45°C.
EXAMPLE 6 The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was subjected to crosslinking by heat treatment at 80°C for 5 minutes. The PEM fuel cell exhibited an I-V polarization of 0.60 A/cm2 at 0.5 V.
EXAMPLE 7
The same procedure was employed as in Example 3, except that the membrane was exposed to UV radiation for 30 minutes. The PEM fuel cell exhibited an I-V polarization of 1.1 A/cm2 at 0.5 V.
EXAMPLE 8 The same procedure was employed as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF2 was 75:25. Table 1 below sets forth the conductivity (S/cm), % water absorption (W2) , open cell voltage (V) , current density (I) at 0.5V (A/cm2 and test time (h) measured for this fuel cell.
Table 1. Properties and Performance of Sulfonated PP0-PVF2 (Lower Molecular Weight) Blend Membranes and Their Fuel Cells
Wt. Ratio of Conductivity (p) % of H20 Absorbed Open Cell Current Test Time Sulfonated in Siemens/cm in Membrane Voltage in Density in hours PPO to PVFj (S/cm) (W=[(Wwet-Wdιy) Volts (V) „.5v) (h) in Blend x 100 at 30°C] in Amps/cm2 Membrane3 (A/cm2)
100 S-0 FL 0.016 25 1.04 0.95 300
85 S-15 FL 0.019 22 0.95 1.2 200
80 S-20 FL 0.021 18 0.95 2.0 200
75 S-25 FL 0.015 16 0.96 0.8 100
70 S-30 FL 0.011 5 0.96 0.8 100
65 S-35 FL 0.010 <2 -0.95 0.75 25
50 S-50 FL 0.013 <2 -0.95 0.70 25
a S = Sulfonated PPO, FL=PVF2 (M =60,000)
EXAMPLE 9
The same procedures were used as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF2 was 70:30. Table 1 above sets forth conductivity, % water absorbed, open cell voltage, current density at 0.5V and the test time for this fuel cell.
EXAMPLE 10
The same procedures were used as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF2 was 65:35. Table 1 above sets forth conductivity, % water absorbed, open cell voltage, current density at 0.5V and the test time measured for this fuel cell.
EXAMPLE 11
The same procedures were used in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF2 was 50:50. Table 1 summarizes properties and performance of
these membranes (Examples 1-11) .
EXAMPLE 12
A sulfonated PPO polymer in Li+ form (Mw=50,000) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) to form a 20 wt% solution. A 20 wt% solution of high molecular weight PVF2 (Mw=350, 000) , in DMF was prepared separately. Then 8g of sulfonated PPO-DMF solution and 2 g of PVF2-DMF solution were blended by mixing the two solutions at room temperature for 0.5 h. This blend had an 80:20 weight ratio of sulfonated-PPO:high molecular weight PVF2. The blend solution was poured onto a clean surface glass plate, and cast by a Doctor knife. Then the blend membrane was placed in a chamber under dry air for 48 h. The blend membrane was placed into a 0.5 N HCl solution for exchange of Li+ and conversion to proton form, before assembly in a fuel cell. A PEM fuel cell was made according to the same process as Example 1. FIG. 5 shows the polarization curves of the PEM fuel cell made using this membrane at 60°C and 30 psig pressure of reactant gases. FIG. 6 shows SEM photographs of this membrane.
This membrane can absorb 9.9 water molecular per charge at 80°C.
EXAMPLE 13 The same procedure was used as in Example 12, except the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to High molecular weight PVF2 was 70:30. The fuel cell assembly using this membrane has a good performance under higher operated temperature (80°C) . FIG. 7 shows the polarization curve of the PEM fuel cell made using this membrane at 80°C and 30 psig pressure using H2/as reactant gas. FIG. 8 shows SEM photographs of this membrane. The conductivity of this membrane is 0.208 S/cm at 80°C and its water uptake is 7.4 nH20/charge. This PEM fuel cell tested at 80°C for 300 hours without a decrease in
performance
EXAMPLE 14
The same procedure was used as in Example 12, except the weight ratio of sulfonated PPO to PVF2
(Mw=350,000) was 50:50. The fuel cell assembly by this membrane tested at 80°C for 300 hours without decreasing performance. FIG. 9 shows the SEM photographs of this membrane. Table 2 below summarizes properties of blend membrane (Examples 12-14) and performance of their PEM fuel cells.
Table 2. Properties and Performance of Sulfonated PPO- PVF2 (Higher Molecular Weight) Blend Membranes and Their Fuel Cells
Wt. Ratio of Conductivity (p) Water Content at Open Cell Current Test Sulfonated in Siemens/cm 80°C (number of Voltage in Density Time PPO to PVFj (S/cm) at 80"C water molecular Volts (V) 0 o.5v) in hours in Blend per charge) in in ( ) Membranes'3 Blend Membrane Amps/cm2 nH20/SO,H (A/cm2)
100 S-0 FH 0.14 18.5 1.04 1.5 300 (60°C) (60°C)
80 S-20 FH 0.274 9.9 0.95 1.8 200 (60°C) (60°C)
70 S-30 FH 0.208 7.4 0.95 1.4 300 (80°C) (80°C)
60 S-40 FH 0.17 5.7 0.95 1.1 100 (80°C) (80°C)
50 S-50 FH 0.14 4.1 0.95 0.9 300 (80°C) (80°C)
40 S-60 FH 0.027 2.9 0.85 0.4 50 (80°C) (80°C)
S c = = Sulfonated PPO, FH=PVF2 (MW= 350,000)
Claims
1. In a polymer electrolyte membrane containing an ion-exchange polymer membrane, the improvement in which the ion-exchange membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit:
wherein R, and R2 are each selected from the group consisting of H, S03H and S03M; and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal and a transition metal, and n is an integer greater than 40, the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between about 15,000 and about 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between about l and about 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the blend being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1.
2. The polymer electrolyte membrane of Claim 1, wherein in said sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) , said alkali metal is Li+, Na+or K+. o
3. The polymer electrolyte membrane of Claim 1, wherein said sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) has a number average molecular weight between about 30,000 and about 10,000,000.
4. The polymer electrolyte membrane of Claim
1, wherein said sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer has an ion exchange capacity between about 2 and about 3.5 meq/g.
5. The polymer electrolyte membrane of Claim
1, wherein said weight ratio is between about 4 to 1 and about 6 to 1.
6. In a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing a ion-exchange polymer membrane as electrolyte sandwiched between an electrochemicaUy reactive porous anode and cathode, the improvement in which the ion- exchange polymer membrane comprises a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit:
10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1, the fuel cell having a current density between about 1 A/cm2 and about 2 A/cm2 at 0.5 V, while using a minimum catalyst loading equivalent to between 0.1 mg/cm2 and 0.2 mg/cm2 of platinum on a platinum/carbon polytetrafluoroethylene electrode at 30 psi reactant gases, and cell a temperature between 45°C and 85°C.
7. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of Claim 6, wherein said sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) has a number average molecular weight between about 30,000 and about 10,000,000.
8. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of Claim 6, wherein said sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) polymer has an ion exchange capacity between about 2 and about 3.5 meq/g.
9. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of Claim 6, wherein said weight ratio is between about 4 to 1 and about 6 to 1.
10. A blend ion-exchange membrane for electrochemical cells comprised of a blend of sulfonated ion exchange poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) , the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit: 
wherein Rx and R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, S03H and S03M; wherein n is an integer greater than 40; and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal and a transition metal, the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between about 15,000 and about 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between about 1 and about 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1, the blend being prepared by the following process steps: a. separately dissolving sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) in respective solvents; b. mixing the polymer solutions together in a weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1 to form a blend solution; c. casting said blend solution onto a clean surface; and d. drying the cast blend solution for a time sufficient to evaporate the solvent (s) and form a dry blend membrane having a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 200 micrometers.
11. A blend membrane according to Claim 10, wherein said solvent for making blends is a solvent selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl pyrrolidone, acetone, methylethylketone, THF dimethylcellosolve and
> mixtures thereof.
12. A blend membrane according to Claim 10, wherein said concentration of polymers in the solution is between 1 and 50 wt%.
13. A blend membrane according to Claim 10, wherein said ion exchange membrane can be crosslinked by γ - ray or UV radiation, and/or by dry heat treatment.
14. A blend membrane according to Claim 10, wherein said membrane thickness is between 40 μm and 150 μm.
15. A process for making a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell comprising: a. exposing a polymer electrolyte membrane to an aqueous acid solution for exchange of metallic counter ion form to proton form, the membrane comprising a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) or a sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride), the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a chemical structure characterized by the following recurring unit: 
wherein Rj and R2 each are selected from the group consisting of H, S03H and S03M; wherein n is an integer greater than 40; and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal and a transition metal, the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) having a number average molecular weight between about 15,000 and about 10,000,000 and an ion charge density between about 1 and about 3.9 meq/g, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) having a number average molecular weight between about 10,000 and 10,000,000, the weight ratio of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) to poly(vinylidene fluoride) being between about 1 to 1 and about 20 to 1; and b. placing said polymer electrolyte membrane between two fuel cell electrodes to adhere the membrane to the electrodes and form a PEM fuel cell assembly at ambient temperature in the absence of any pressing step or the application of elevated pressure.
16. The process of Claim 15, wherein prior to step b, a sulfonated proton exchange polymer is coated on the electrodes and serves as an interface between the membrane and the electrode.
17. The process of Claim 16, wherein said sulfonated proton exchange polymer is selected from the group consisting of sulfonated polyethylene, sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) , sulfonated polysulfone, and sulfonated perfluorinated ionomer.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT96945598T ATE193618T1 (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | MEMBRANES MADE OF SULFONATED POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE (S-PPO) AND POLYMER BLENDS WITH POLYVINYLIDE FLUORIDE (PVDF) FOR USE AS POLYMER ELECTROLYTE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS |
| EP96945598A EP0870341B1 (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells |
| BR9612305A BR9612305A (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | Sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) blending membranes for intensified polymer electrochemical cells |
| DE69608702T DE69608702T2 (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | SULFONATED POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE (S-PPO) AND POLYMER BLENDS WITH POLYVINYLIDE FLUORIDE (PVDF) FOR USE AS POLYMER ELECTROLYTE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS |
| JP52434297A JP2002502539A (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | Blend membranes based on sulfonated polyphenylene oxide for reinforced polymer batteries |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US58038195A | 1995-12-28 | 1995-12-28 | |
| US08/580,381 | 1995-12-28 | ||
| US08/725,747 US5989742A (en) | 1996-10-04 | 1996-10-04 | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells |
| US08/725,747 | 1996-10-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997024777A1 true WO1997024777A1 (en) | 1997-07-10 |
Family
ID=27078024
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1996/019737 WO1997024777A1 (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1996-12-16 | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0870341B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002502539A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE193618T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9612305A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2241552A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69608702T2 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW442520B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997024777A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2334526A (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 1999-08-25 | British Gas Plc | Permeable gas separation material |
| WO2000009610A1 (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2000-02-24 | The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells |
| WO2000022684A3 (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2000-07-20 | Foster Miller Inc | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| EP1116292A2 (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2001-07-18 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US6277512B1 (en) | 1999-06-18 | 2001-08-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Polymer electrolyte membranes from mixed dispersions |
| FR2805927A1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2001-09-07 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | Fuel cell production forms a polymer film on a reinforced carrier to take an electrode on one surface to be separated from the carrier when dry and set for a further electrode to be applied to the other film surface |
| FR2810794A1 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2001-12-28 | Sorapec | Electrode-membrane assembly for use in fuel cell comprises proton conductors in and on active layer of electrodes, where the proton conductor present in the layer is preferably of same type as that of membrane |
| WO2005001969A1 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2005-01-06 | Toray Industries, Inc. | Polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte membrane therefrom, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| WO2006073474A2 (en) * | 2004-05-22 | 2006-07-13 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US7097941B1 (en) | 1998-04-27 | 2006-08-29 | Sony Corporation | Solid electrolytic secondary battery |
| EP1619735A4 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2010-05-12 | Toray Industries | Polymer electrolyte material, polymer electrolyte part, membrane electrode composite and polymer electrolyte type fuel cell |
| US7964676B2 (en) | 2006-02-22 | 2011-06-21 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd | Crosslinkable sulfonated copolymer and fuel cell including polymeric composition of the same |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3412763B2 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2003-06-03 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Composite polymer electrolyte membrane and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same |
| JP4543704B2 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2010-09-15 | 東レ株式会社 | Polymer solid electrolyte membrane and method for producing the same |
| WO2005013399A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-10 | Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, fuel cell using same, and method for producing electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly |
| JP4843910B2 (en) * | 2004-06-10 | 2011-12-21 | 東レ株式会社 | POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MATERIAL, POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE COMPOSITE AND POLYMER ELECTROLYTE TYPE FUEL CELL USING SAME |
| JPWO2006106726A1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2008-09-11 | 株式会社荏原製作所 | POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE, ELECTRODE, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE COMPLEX AND FUEL CELL |
| TWI589610B (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2017-07-01 | 財團法人工業技術研究院 | Polyelectrolyte and power storage device |
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- 1996-12-16 DE DE69608702T patent/DE69608702T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| US6103414A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 2000-08-15 | The Research Foundation Of State University Of The New York | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for polymer electrochemical cells |
| US7052793B2 (en) | 1997-08-29 | 2006-05-30 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US6248469B1 (en) | 1997-08-29 | 2001-06-19 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| GB2334526A (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 1999-08-25 | British Gas Plc | Permeable gas separation material |
| GB2334526B (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 2002-01-23 | British Gas Plc | Process of forming a permeable gas separation material |
| US7097941B1 (en) | 1998-04-27 | 2006-08-29 | Sony Corporation | Solid electrolytic secondary battery |
| WO2000009610A1 (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2000-02-24 | The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York | Blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) for enhanced polymer electrochemical cells |
| EP1116292A2 (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2001-07-18 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| WO2000022684A3 (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2000-07-20 | Foster Miller Inc | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| EP1116292A4 (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2005-11-23 | Foster Miller Inc | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US7550216B2 (en) | 1999-03-03 | 2009-06-23 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US6277512B1 (en) | 1999-06-18 | 2001-08-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Polymer electrolyte membranes from mixed dispersions |
| FR2805927A1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2001-09-07 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | Fuel cell production forms a polymer film on a reinforced carrier to take an electrode on one surface to be separated from the carrier when dry and set for a further electrode to be applied to the other film surface |
| WO2001065623A1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2001-09-07 | Commissariat A L'energie Atomique | Method for preparing electrode-membrane assemblies, resulting assemblies and fuel cells comprising same |
| WO2002001664A1 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2002-01-03 | Sorapec | Combination of electrodes and membranes comprising proton conductors |
| FR2810794A1 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2001-12-28 | Sorapec | Electrode-membrane assembly for use in fuel cell comprises proton conductors in and on active layer of electrodes, where the proton conductor present in the layer is preferably of same type as that of membrane |
| EP1619735A4 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2010-05-12 | Toray Industries | Polymer electrolyte material, polymer electrolyte part, membrane electrode composite and polymer electrolyte type fuel cell |
| WO2005001969A1 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2005-01-06 | Toray Industries, Inc. | Polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte membrane therefrom, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| CN100446312C (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2008-12-24 | 东丽株式会社 | Polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte membrane therefrom, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| EP1641063A4 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2010-05-05 | Toray Industries | Polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte membrane therefrom, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| EP1641063A1 (en) * | 2003-06-25 | 2006-03-29 | Toray Industries, Inc. | Polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte membrane therefrom, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| US8455141B2 (en) | 2003-06-25 | 2013-06-04 | Toray Industries, Inc. | Polymer electrolyte as well as polymer electrolyte membrane, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same |
| WO2006073474A3 (en) * | 2004-05-22 | 2009-04-16 | Foster Miller Inc | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| WO2006073474A2 (en) * | 2004-05-22 | 2006-07-13 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes |
| US7964676B2 (en) | 2006-02-22 | 2011-06-21 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd | Crosslinkable sulfonated copolymer and fuel cell including polymeric composition of the same |
| US8293851B2 (en) | 2006-02-22 | 2012-10-23 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Crosslinkable sulfonated copolymer and fuel cell including polymeric composition of the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69608702T2 (en) | 2001-02-01 |
| EP0870341A1 (en) | 1998-10-14 |
| BR9612305A (en) | 1999-07-13 |
| EP0870341B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
| JP2002502539A (en) | 2002-01-22 |
| CA2241552A1 (en) | 1997-07-10 |
| TW442520B (en) | 2001-06-23 |
| DE69608702D1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
| ATE193618T1 (en) | 2000-06-15 |
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