Abstract: Highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymers achieve dissolution in aqueous tetrahydrofuran at lower pressures and temperatures than in other solvents, with few or no side products being formed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of water treatment, and in particular to industrial processes which generate aqueous solutions containing thiocyanate (SCN). The invention particularly relates to processes for treating aqueous solutions containing SCN and more specifically treatment processes to extract and remove SCN from said aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A method of making a monomer solution of styrene sulfonic acid or the pyridine salt of styrene sulfonic acid or mixtures of both in an organic solvent, said solution being suitable for producing cation exchange membranes. The method comprises the steps of dissolving a metal salt of styrene sulfonate in said organic solvent and pyridinium styrene sulfonate. The mixture solution is reacted under conditions that generate a salt byproduct precipitate and the reactant product solution is collected. Embodiments of the present invention provide for cation exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. Membranes made by the processes described herein combine low resistance and high permselectivity which make them highly effective for membrane components in desalination of water by electrodialysis (ED), as a power generating sources in reverse electrodialysis and as separators in fuels cells.

Abstract: A process for producing a resilient ion exchange membrane. The process comprises the steps of (1) selecting a porous matrix, (2) saturating the porous matrix with a homogenous solution comprising a mixture of: (i) a hydrophilic ionic monomer, (ii) a hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or a comonomer, (iii) a free radical initiator, and (iii) a solvent for solubilizing the hydrophilic ionic monomer, the hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or comonomer, and the free radical initiator into a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for anion exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. The anion exchange membranes described herein are made the polymerization product of at least one functional monomer comprising a tertiary amine which is reacted with a quaternizing agent in the polymerization process.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising: a liquid medium comprising at least one aprotic polar organic solvent and less than 25 wt % based on the total weight of the composition of an alcohol; and at least 5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition of at least one fluorinated anion exchange polymer comprising a fluorocarbon backbone and side-chains covalently attached to the backbone having terminal groups of formula (I): —SO2NR1Q+X?, wherein Q+ is a group comprising at least one quaternary nitrogen atom, and R1 is H or a C1-C20 alkyl group, or forms a ring together with a group in Q+, wherein the ring contains 2 to 10 carbon atoms and, optionally, up to 4 heteroatoms; and X? is an anion selected among the group consisting of organic anions and lipophilic inorganic anions is disclosed. The liquid composition is suitable for the preparation of ion exchange membranes and as binders for electrocatalytic layers for use in electrochemical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid electrolytic condensers with increased heat resistance and decreased ESR, and methods for preparing the same. The solid electrolytic condensers of the present invention comprise a porous sintered body 1 made of a valve action metal, a dielectric layer 2 covering at least a portion of the porous sintered body 1, and a solid electrolytic layer 3 covering at least a portion of the dielectric layer 2, where the solid electrolytic layer 3 is composed of an anion exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides anion exchange membranes, processes for producing same and uses thereof. The anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention achieve a desirable combination of low resistance, high permselectivity and low degree of dimensional swelling. Anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention are also cost effective.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyelectrolytes having backbone aromatic groups, and in particular to aromatic backbone group polyelectrolytes having high levels of sulfonation as well as cross-linking functionality. Preferably the polyelectrolyte backbone is free of linear alkyl groups.

Abstract: A method of preparing an anion exchange membrane with anion exchange groups. The method includes polymerizing a first monomer with a functional group selected from the pyridine derivatives with a second monomer selected from the benzene derivatives, such as styrene, to form a copolymer. The copolymer may be crosslinked with a crosslinker. The functional group of the copolymer may be functionalized to an anion exchange group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polyimide containing a diamine component that has a fluorene skeleton having a sulfonic acid group or a derivative thereof, and a novel polyimide-based polymer electrolyte membrane containing this polyimide as a main component and having properties based on this polyimide (for example, a good balance between the resistance to methanol crossover and the proton conductivity). The polyimide of the present invention contains a structural unit (P) represented by the following formula (1). The polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention contains this polyimide as a main component.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic hybrid composite proton exchange membrane is provided. The proton exchange membrane includes an inorganic material of about 0.5-30 parts by weight and an organic material of about 99.5-70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the proton exchange membrane. A surface area of the inorganic material is about 50-3000 m2/g. The organic material includes a sulfonated polymer or a phosphoric acid doped polymer.

Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) and a polymer electrolyte membrane thereof. In particular, the present invention provides sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) having a triple bond at its both ends and a polymer electrolyte membrane with superior mechanical properties prepared by heating sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) and forming cross-links between ends of sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile).

Abstract: A method of photo-grafting onto a separation membrane a copolymer includes at least one of: and; For example, in Structure 1A, x1?2 and y1?1; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of CH3 and H; R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of poly(oxyalkylene), quaternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, sulfonium salts, sulfobetaines, carboxybetaines, alcohols, phenols, tertiary amines, aryl groups; linear, branched and cyclic alkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic heteroalkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic fluoroalkylenes; and siloxyl; R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of linear, branched, and cyclic alkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic hetroalkylenes; linear, branched and cyclic fluoroalkylenes; phenyl; and siloxyl; and Z1 is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A composite proton exchange membrane is made up of dispersed organized graphene in ion conducting polymer as a fuel barrier material. The composite proton exchange membrane includes an inorganic material of 0.001-10 wt % and an organic material of 99.999-90 wt %. The inorganic material is a graphene derivative with two-dimensional structure. The organic material includes a polymer material with sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bilayer polymer electrolyte for a lithium battery. The electrolyte comprises the layers N and P, each composed of a solid solution of an Li salt in a polymer material, the Li salt being the same in both layers, the polymer material content being at least 60% by weight, and the lithium salt content being from 5 to 25% by weight. The polymer material of the layer P contains a solvating polymer and a nonsolvating polymer, the weight ratio of the two polymers being such that the solvating polymer forms a continuous network. The polymer material of the layer N is composed of a solvating polymer and optionally a nonsolvating polymer, the weight ratio of the two polymers being such that the solvating polymer forms a continuous network, and the nonsolvating polymer does not form a continuous network.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is prepared from a liquid composition comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of trivalent cerium, tetravalent cerium, bivalent manganese and trivalent manganese; and a polymer with a cation-exchange group. The liquid composition is preferably one containing water, a carbonate of cerium or manganese, and a polymer with a cation-exchange group, and a cast film thereof is used as an electrolyte membrane to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly. The present invention successfully provides a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells being capable of generating the electric power in high energy efficiency, having high power generation performance regardless of the dew point of the feed gas, and being capable of stably generating the electric power over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for removal of protein aggregates from a sample in a flow-through mode.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising at least one aprotic organic solvent and at least one fluorinated ion exchange polymer which consists of recurring units derived from a chlorofluoroolefin of formula CF2?CCIY, wherein Y is F or CI, and from at least one fluorinated functional monomer selected among those of formula CF2?CF—O—(CF2CF(CF3)O)m—(CF2)nSO2X, wherein m is an integer equal to 0 or 1, n is an integer from 0 to 10 and X is chosen among halogens (CI, F, Br, I), —O?M+, wherein M+ is a cation selected among H+, NH4+, K+, Li+, Na+, or mixtures thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition is suitable for the preparation of ion exchange membranes, in particular composite membranes, for use in fuel cell applications.

Abstract: An ionomeric membrane formed of a sulphonic (per)fluorinated ionomer wherein the sulphonic groups are at the end of short side chains (SSC), said ionomer having: equivalent weight between 700 and 1600 g/eq; side chains of formula: —O—CF2—CF2—SO3?M+, wherein M is hydrogen or an alkaline metal; said membrane having the following combination of properties: size variations, for both the orthogonal directions xy of the plane, lower than 15%, measured after dipping of the ionomeric membrane, dried at 105° C. under vacuum for one hour, in demineralized water at 100° C. for 30 minutes; the membrane, dipped at the temperature of 50° C. for 22 hours in a water/ethanol mixture containing 40% by weight of alcohol, remains integral.

Abstract: With respect to the anionic polymer ion-exchange material used in an alkaline fuel cell, an electrodialysis apparatus, water treatment industry, catalyst industry, and the like, there are provided an anionic polymer ion-exchange material having both excellent ionic conductivity and excellent mechanical strength, as compared to the materials conventionally used, and a method for producing the same. An anionic polymer ion-exchange material having a polymer base material mainly made of an amide resin having both an aromatic structure and an aliphatic chain in the principal chain thereof, wherein the polymer base material has an anionic monomer graft-polymerized on the aliphatic chain in the principal chain of the amide resin, wherein the anionic monomer has an aromatic structure and a quaternary ammonium structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying and cross-linking polybenzimidazoles, PBI. The polybenzimidazole reacts with a compound, which has a halogen and a double bond functionality and which comprises a halogen and an organic group to form modified polymers by means of a nucleophilic substitution of the amine proton of the benzimidazole functionality in a solution, and a functional group is connected via each resulting free double bond and/or the polymers that are thus modified are cross-linked.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for neutralizing a sulfonated block copolymer with a metal compound, to metal-neutralized block copolymers, and to various articles comprising the metal-neutralized block copolymers, e.g., in form of a water vapor permeable membrane which comprises the metal-neutralized block copolymers. The present disclosure further relates to a means and a method for storing and stabilizing a polar component such as a metal compound in a non-polar liquid phase by immuring the polar component in micelles of the sulfonated block copolymer in the non-polar liquid phase.

Abstract: An aromatic perfluoroalkane monomer is provided that can be used for the manufacture of a polymer membrane for a PEM-type fuel cell. The perfluoroalkane monomer has a structure corresponding to a formula (I): Z1—Ar3—C(O)—Ar1—(CF2)n—Ar2—C(O)—Ar4—Z2??(I) in which: n is in a range from 1 to 20; Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 which are identical or different, represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group; and Z1 and Z2, which are identical or different, represent an electrophilic or nucleophilic polymerizable functional group.

Abstract: Polysulfone based polymer comprising a repeat unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 is provided: wherein, X, M1, M2, a, b, c, d, e, f, R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are as defined in the detailed description.

Abstract: A laminated electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrode assembly including the laminated electrolyte membrane, and a method of preparing the laminated electrolyte membrane, the laminate electrolyte membrane comprising at least two polymer membranes that are laminated together, and an electrolytic polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer having a polymerizable functional group and a proton dissociable functional group.

Abstract: There is provided herein a membrane or film comprising one or more aromatic ionomers covalently crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—), aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—), aryl-sulfone-aryl bonds, or any combination thereof, wherein said one or more aromatic ionomers further comprises at least one electron withdrawing group adapted to improve oxidant resistance of said membrane or film.

Abstract: The invention relates to proton-conducting composites comprising a polymer matrix within which inorganic particles are dispersed, grafted to the surface of which particles are polymers comprising repeat units that comprise at least one acid proton-exchange group, optionally in the form of salts, or a precursor group of said acid group, said particles being chosen from particles of zeolites, of zirconium phosphates or phosphonates, or of oxides. Application to the field of fuel cells.

Abstract: A sulphur-containing and sulphonated aromatic perfluoroalkane monomer is provided that can be used for the manufacture of a polymer membrane for a PEM-type fuel cell. The perfluoroalkane monomer is a functionalized polymer that has a structure corresponding to a formula (I): E1-Ar1—X1—(CF2)n—X2—Ar2-E2??(I) in which: n is in a range from 1 to 20; X1 and X2, which are identical or different, represent S, SO, or SO2; Ar1, Ar2, which are identical or different, represent a phenylene group, at least one of Ar1 and Ar2 bearing a sulphonic (—SO3H) group or a sulphonate (—SO3M) group, in which M represents an alkali metal cation; and E1 and E2, which are identical or different, represent an electrophilic group such as a halogen, specifically fluorine or chlorine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer comprising at least one polymeric chain of a first type, the said chain comprising at least two blocks, the same or different, the said blocks comprising repeat units derived from the polymerisation of styrene monomers, the said units comprising at least one phenyl pendant group carrying at least one —SO3R group, R possibly being a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or cationic counter-ion, the said two blocks being separated by a spacer group, the spacer group is a perfluorocarbon group.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus including a housing, an inlet to let water into the housing, an outlet to let water out of the housing, a first electrode, a second electrode, a spacer between the first and second electrodes to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes, and an ion exchange membrane between the first and/or second electrode and the spacer, wherein the membrane has a crosslinked hyperbranched polymer with ion exchange groups.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer segment includes at least one substituent for proton transfer that has one or more fluorine atoms. The fluorine-containing polymer segment is useful for forming hydrophilic polymer blocks that are used in block copolymers. Block copolymers useful for fuel cell applications incorporate the hydrophilic polymer blocks formed from the fluorine containing polymer segments.

Abstract: A sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer that has a crosslinking structure in a chain of a polymer, a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer that has a crosslinking structure in and at an end of a chain of a polymer, and a polymer electrolyte film that is formed by using them are disclosed. According to the polycondensation reaction of the sulfonated dihydroxy monomer (HO—SAr1-OH), the none sulfonated dihydroxy monomer (HO—Ar—OH), the crosslinkable dihalide monomer (X—CM-X) and the none sulfonated dihalide monomer (X—Ar—X), the poly(arylene ether) copolymer in which the sulfonic acid is included is synthesized. The formed poly(arylene ether) copolymer has the crosslinkable structure in the chain of the polymer. In addition, by carrying out the polycondensation reaction in respects to the crosslinkable monohydroxy monomer or the crosslinkable monohalide monomer, the crosslinking can be formed at the end of the polymer.

Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.

Abstract: A method of enhancing electrical performance of a membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer in an aqueous hydroxylated hydrocarbon aqueous solution. The PFSA dispersion or solution has an acid number the same or higher than an acid number of the membrane. The membrane is immersed in the solution such that the high acid number PFSA dispersion diffuses into the membrane. After immersion, the removed membrane is then dried under tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorocarbon polymer material comprising a backbone with the following unit: wherein: Z is a quaternary ammonium group, Y1 and Y2 are each independently an oxygen heteroatom or a sulphur heteroatom, A is a fluorinated or perfluorinated straight chain having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R1 represents a phenyl or aryl group or a —CR2R3— group, and R4 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a straight or branched, cyclic or acyclic, alkyl or halogenated alkyl group, and a group represented by the following formula: m is an integer comprised between 0 and 10, preferably between 0 and 3; m?, n and r are integers, each independently equal to 0 or 1; and s is equal to 0 or 1, provided that when s is equal to 0, then R4 is different from the hydrogen atom.

Abstract: Provided is a microphase-separated structure membrane including a block copolymer in which a hydrophilic polymer component and a hydrophobic polymer component are coupled to each other via a structural unit having a reactive group, an electron acceptor or electron donor, or a dye. In the microphase-separated structure membrane, a cylinder structure composed of the hydrophilic polymer component lies in a matrix composed of the hydrophobic polymer component and is oriented in the direction perpendicular to the membrane surface, and the structural unit having a reactive group, an electron acceptor or electron donor, or a dye lies between the matrix and the cylinder structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a membrane having a first major surface and a second major surface and including one or more anionic exchange electrolyte polymers. The membranes can be useful for selectively mass transporting molecules and/or ions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of at least one mineral filler functionalized by at least one group comprising at least one sulfur atom for chemically stabilizing a polymer matrix and/or for increasing the durability thereof. The present invention also concerns a membrane such as an ion exchange membrane and in particular a proton exchange membrane thus stabilized, its method of preparation and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell, including: performing radiation-induced graft polymerization of a vinyl monomer having a nucleophilic functional group selected from an acylvinyl ether derivative, a styrene derivative, and a methacrylic acid derivative, with a polymer substrate having a fluorine-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, or an aromatic polymer; deprotecting an ester bond of a graft chain on the polymer substrate introduced by the radiation-induced graft polymerization; and introducing an alkylethersulfonic acid structure into the nucleophilic functional group of the graft chain thus deprotected, by use of an electrophilic reagent selected from cyclic sulfonic acid ester and alkylhalide sulfonate.

Abstract: Acid block anionic selective polymeric membranes are provided of the type having a woven or non-woven cloth reinforcing structure. The polymer of the membrane is prepared by the process comprising copolymerizing components I, II, and III wherein I is an ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic tertiary or quaternary amine monomer. II is a cross-linking monomer, and III is vinylbenzyl chloride. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a free radical polymerization initiator. Additionally, anionic exchange membranes of the type used in electrodialysis apparatus are disclosed and comprise a woven or nonwoven cloth that is impregnated with a copolymer comprising the reaction products of components I, II, and III.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte-containing solution is obtained by preparing a first solution, preparing a second solution and mixing the first and second solutions. The first solution is prepared by dissolving a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin (component A) having an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g in a protic solvent. The second solution is prepared separate from the first solution, by dissolving a polyazole-based compound (component B) and an alkali metal hydroxide in a protic solvent. The first and second solutions are mixed to prepare a polymer electrolyte-containing solution in which a weight ratio of the component A to component B, (A/B) , is from 2:3 to 199 and a total weight of the component A and the component B is from 0.5 to 30% by weight on the basis of the solution including the protic solvent. The protic solvent is an aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprises a hybrid inorganic-organic polymer that includes implanted metal cations. Acid groups are bound to the hybrid inorganic-organic polymer through an interaction with the implanted metal cations. An example process for manufacturing a proton exchange membrane includes sol-gel polymerization of silane precursors in a medium containing the metal cations, followed by exposure of the metal-implanted hybrid inorganic-organic polymer to an acid compound.

Abstract: To provide a liquid composition containing a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid functional groups, which rarely corrodes a metal and has good handling efficiency, which liquid composition comprises a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid functional groups and a solvent, wherein the solvent contains a polyhydric alcohol and a monohydric alcohol. The content of the fluoropolymer is preferably from 5 to 50 mass % in the liquid composition (100 mass %), and the content of the polyhydric alcohol is preferably from 5 to 50 mass % in the solvent (100 mass %).

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-block copolymer, its producing method and an electrolyte membrane using the same. The multi-block copolymer includes a hydrophobic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 1; and a hydrophilic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 2. The multi-block copolymer is acidified, and can be used to an electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell. The use of the multi-block copolymer as an electrolyte membrane ensures excellent dimensional stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing mechanically stabilized polyazole polymers. The process includes the steps of: a) producing a film comprising polyazoles with at least one amino group in a repeat unit, b) treating the film from step a) with a solution comprising (i) at least one acid and (ii) at least one stabilizing reagent, and c) performing the stabilization reaction in the membrane obtained in step directly or in a subsequent membrane processing step by heating to a temperature greater than 60° C. The stabilizing reagent contains at least one compound which has at least one aldehyde group and at least one hydroxyl group; or at least one hemiacetal group; or at least one acetal group. These polyazole polymer membranes have a high conductivity and a good mechanical stability and are suitable for applications in fuel cells.

Abstract: There are provided herein selective membranes, such as composite membranes, and/or films and processes for their preparation. The membranes and/or films have a given morphology which may be stabilized, for example against swelling and chemical degradation, by covalent crosslinking and optionally, in addition, by hydrophobization. There is provided a membrane and/or film and a process for the preparation thereof, the membrane and/or film include an ionomer and/or polyelectrolyte crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—) and/or aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—) bonds.

Abstract: Graft copolymers of hydrophobic polymers and hydrophilic polymers, a method for their preparation, and their use in membranes for medical treatments such as hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration, in membranes for water purification, and in membranes for bioprocessing.