Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a crosslinked hollow fiber membrane. The method involves spinning a one phase solution comprising a monoesterified polyimide polymer, acetone as a volatile solvent, a spinning solvent, a spinning non-solvent, and optionally an organic and/or inorganic additive, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount of greater than 25 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel synthesis method for forming superacid functional molecules that include monomers, as well as new polymers and copolymers formed from the monomers, and uses for these superacid molecules, polymers, and copolymers. The superacid molecules have an alpha,alpha-difluorosulfonic acid functionality that can be obtained by a reaction between various Grignard reagents and an alkyl(2-fluorosulfonyl)-1,1-difluoroacetate, such as methyl(2-fluorosulfonyl-1,1-difluoroacetate. The molecules, polymers and copolymers would be expected to have enhanced ion conductivity, and would be useful in a variety of applications, including as ion-conductive materials, surfactants, and ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A porous polymer separator for use in a lithium ion battery is formed by a temperature-induced phase separation method. The porous polymer separator includes a polymer matrix having opposed major faces and a network of pore openings that extends between the major faces and permits intrusion of a lithium-ion conducting electrolyte solution. As part of the temperature-induced phase separation method, a single phase polymer solution that includes a polymer material dissolved in a miscible mixture of a real polymer solvent and a polymer non-solvent is prepared at an elevated temperature above room temperature. A film is then formed from the single phase polymer solution and cooled to phase-separate the polymer material into a solid polymer precipitate. Additional polymer non-solvent is then used to remove the real polymer solvent from the solid polymer precipitate followed by drying.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solid electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, which is characterized by that there has been used a silicone resin obtained by subjecting a methide series siloxane compound having a specific, strong acid bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methide moiety, a specific polysiloxane compound, and a specific silane compound to a cross-linking reaction, and its production process. This membrane has heat resistance, is superior in chemical stability, has a good proton conductivity even under a low water content condition, and has a low methanol permeability.

Abstract: A composition for filling an ion exchange membrane, a method of preparing the ion exchange membrane, the filled ion exchange membrane, and a redox flow battery using the filled ion exchange membrane. The composition includes an ion conductive material and a water soluble support.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanocomposite ion exchange hydrogel includes graft polymerizing a monomer onto a carbohydrate to form a carbohydrate graft copolymer. Before, during, or after graft polymerizing, an adsorbent is modified with a cationic surfactant to form a surfactant modified adsorbent. Next, the surfactant modified adsorbent is dispersed and entrapped in the carbohydrate graft copolymer and crosslinked to form a crosslinked carbohydrate graft copolymer. The crosslinked carbohydrate graft copolymer is then isolated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for melt processing a sulfonated block copolymer in which the sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups are partially or completely neutralized by an amine, and to articles obtained by the method. Moreover, the shaped articles which are obtained by molding a composition comprising the neutralized sulfonated block copolymer may can be converted into shaped articles which comprise the sulfonated block copolymer(s) employed in the preparation of the amine neutralized block copolymer(s). The present disclosure further provides a sulfonated block copolymer comprising which is modified by an amine of formula (Ia) wherein Het together with the nitrogen to which it is bonded represents an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered hetero cycle.

Abstract: A composite having ion exchange function, preparation method and use thereof are provided. The composite is formed by compounding ion exchange resin with fluorine-containing polymer porous membrane, wherein the nitrile groups in the ion exchange resin react with the nitrile groups grafted on the fluorine-contained polymer porous membrane to form triazine ring crosslinked structure. The composite has excellent mechanical property and gas impermeability, high ion exchange capacity and high electroconductivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyarylene-based polymer, a preparation method for the same, and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the polymer. The polyarylene-based polymer, which is designed to have long side chains of a hydrophilic moiety and dense sulfonic acid groups, may improve the formation of ion channels when fabricating a polymer membrane and also ensures good chemical stability of the hydrophilic moiety and good dimensional stability against water. Further, the preparation method of the present invention simplifies production of the polymer, and polymer electrolyte membranes using the polymer exhibits improved properties as a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, such as high proton conductivity, even under an atmosphere of low water uptake, and good dimensional stability against a long-term exposure to water.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane comprises at least one layer of a perforated sheet having many through-holes formed substantially parallel to the thickness direction with an average cross-sectional area per hole ranging from 1×10?3 to 20 mm2, wherein the numerical aperture based on the through-holes ranges from 30 to 80%, and the through-holes are filled with an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: An ion exchange polymer composition is provided, which includes a primary crosslinker and a secondary crosslinker. The primary crosslinker includes a crosslinked ionic monomer including a quaternary ammonium group. A method for making the ion exchange polymer composition and materials prepared from the ion exchange polymer composition are also provided.

Abstract: Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are described. More specifically, the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks include at least two polymers that are closely associated. The first polymer is an ionic polymer that is not crosslinked. The second polymer is a cross-linked polymer that can be either another ionic polymer or a non-ionic polymer. Methods of making the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, articles containing the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, and methods of using the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are also described. The semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks can function as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: Ionic polymers are made from selected partially fluorinated dienes, in which the repeat units are cycloaliphatic. The polymers are formed into membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane. The membrane can have an average thickness of 23 ?m or more, an air permeability in a range of about 20 sec/100 cm3 to 100 sec/100 cm3, a pin puncture strength of 2,450 mN or more, and a heat shrinkage ratio of 12% or less at 105° C. The membrane can be produced from a polyolefin solution made by combining a membrane-forming solvent and at least one polyolefin resin containing polyethylene having a viscoelastic angular frequency ??0#191 of at least about 0.01 rad/sec.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising: at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-1)], the fluoroionomer (I-1) having a heat of fusion comprised between 4 and 20 J/g; and at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-2)], the fluoroionomer (I-2) being substantially amorphous, that is to say having a heat of fusion of less than 4 J/g, and wherein the water extractable fraction of the fluoroionomer (I-2) is less than 40% wt, the liquid composition comprising the fluoroionomer (I-1) and the fluoroionomer (I-2) in a weight ratio (I-1)/(I-2) of at least 2:1.

Abstract: In a method for the production of a membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane, electrodes and a catalyst, the catalyst is pressed into the membrane material, e.g. when forming the material in situ.

Abstract: To obtain a nonwoven fabric which is excellent in the heat resistance and the chemical resistance, of which the fiber diameter is small, and which is excellent in the mechanical strength at a temperature at which it is used; and an electrolyte membrane which is excellent in the dimensional stability when it is swollen by water, and of which an increase in the resistance by a reinforcing material is suppressed. A nonwoven fabric 28 containing fibers 26 of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a storage elastic modulus E? at 25° C. of at least 8×108 Pa and a melt viscosity measured at 300° C. of higher than 60 Pa·s and at most 300 Pa·s, wherein the average fiber diameter of the fibers is from 0.01 to 3 ?m; and an electrolyte membrane reinforced by the nonwoven fabric 28.

Abstract: To provide an ion exchange membrane for alkaline chloride electrolysis having a low electric resistance and further having a sufficient mechanical strength. To employ an ion exchange membrane containing a polymer having units (U1). Q1, Q2=a perfluoroalkylene group or the like; Rf1, Rf2=a perfluoroalkyl group or the like; X1=an oxygen atom or the like; a=0 or the like; Y1=a fluorine atom or the like; r=0 or 1; and M=a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal atom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte material containing a copolymer including a polyvinyl as a main chain, the copolymer including a functional group with proton conductivity; and an alkoxide of Si or Ti as a side chain. By using the electrolyte material, a proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane with flexibility, high ion conductivity, excellent water resistance, and a small change in size can be obtained. And a polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be provided which has high output and durability by using the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Provided are separators used in power accumulators such as lithium ion secondary batteries and a preparation method thereof. The said separators are obtained through following steps: providing a polymer colloidal emulsion through a polymerization reaction of polyvinyl alcohol, hydrophobic monomer and hydrophilic monomer in water solution initiated by an initiator; coating a plastic substrate with the said polymer colloidal emulsion using tape-casting method; drying the plastic substrate coated with the polymer colloidal emulsion, and then obtaining the said separators by delaminating them from the substrate. The said separators have good liquid absorbability, high liquid absorption rate and retention, low resistivity, good mechanical strength and good thermal stability (little thermal shrinkage and little size distortion) as well as electrochemical stability. The prepared lithium ion batteries have good cycle stability and long service life.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane which exhibits superior high-temperature operability and a fuel cell and the like comprising the polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. In an aspect, the present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a polymer electrolyte and having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the water vapor permeability coefficient from the first surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane to the second surface which is measured in a state where the first surface is exposed to a humidified environment of a temperature of 85° C. and a relative humidity of 20% and the second surface is exposed to a non-humidified environment of a temperature of 85° C. and a relative humidity of 0% is equal to or higher than 7.0×10?10 mol/sec/cm, and the breaking stress at a temperature of 80° C. and a relative humidity of 90% is equal to or greater than 20 MPa.

Abstract: A membrane for separation of gases, the membrane including a metal-organic phase and a polymeric phase, the metal-organic phase having porous crystalline metal compounds and ligands, the polymeric phase having a molecularly self assembling polymer.

Abstract: A method of activating boron nitride comprises exposing the boron nitride to a fluid enabling —OH hydroxyl radicals and/or H3O+ to be delivered and creating B—OH bonds and/or NH2 bonds in the boron nitride, and eliminating the fluid and recovering the activated boron nitride.

Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.

Abstract: A polymerization medium having small ozone depletion potential and small global warming potential and having a small chain transfer constant is used, to efficiently produce a fluoropolymer having a high molecular weight and having excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, etc. A process for producing a fluoropolymer, which comprises polymerizing a fluoromonomer having a carboxylic acid type functional group and a fluoroolefin using a hydrofluorocarbon as a medium, wherein the hydrofluorocarbon as the medium has 4 to 10 carbon atoms and has a ratio (molar basis) of the number of hydrogen atoms/the number of fluorine atoms (H/F ratio) of from 0.05 to 20.

Abstract: A process for producing fluoropolymer particles includes preparing a solution/dispersion containing fluoropolymer dissolved/dispersed in a first solvent such that the swelling of fluoropolymer by the first solvent is from 50 to 1,200%, and mixing the solution/dispersion with a second solvent such that fluoropolymer forms particles and the swelling of fluoropolymer by the mixture of the first and second solvents is from 0 to 100%. WC/WB is in the range of from 1 to 5, WB represents mass of the first solvent, WC/ represents mass of the second solvent, WC/WB represents a ratio of the mass of the second solvent to the mass of the first solvent. SBC/SB is at most 0.5. SBC represents the swelling by the mixture of the first and second solvents, SB represents the swelling by the first solvent, and SBC/SB represents a ratio of the swelling by the mixture to the swelling by the first solvent.

Abstract: A porous structured organic film including a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein at a macroscopic level the covalent organic framework is a film and contains a plurality of sites accessible to one or more entity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the formation of pores of controlled shape, dimensions and distribution in a polymer matrix comprising a step of embedding silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees in a nonpolymerized polymer matrix or a nonpolymerized polymer matrix in suspension or in solution in at least one solvent, a step of curing the polymer matrix, and a step of removing the silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees by chemical treatment. The process of the invention can be used for the manufacture of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell active layer. The invention has applications in the field of manufacture of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, in particular.

Abstract: A method of reshaping an article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex, the polyelectrolyte complex comprising an intermolecular blend of a predominantly positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte by controlling the salt doping level.

Abstract: A film made of a fluorinated polymer of the polyvinylidene fluoride type having suitable properties for use as a lithium storage battery separator is produced using a phase inversion technique in which a solution containing the fluorinated polymer is brought into the presence of an atmosphere laden with water vapor to precipitate the fluorinated polymer. The fluorinated polymer can be precipitated by placing the support on which the solution is deposited, in which the fluorinated polymer has been previously dissolved, in an enclosure containing an atmosphere laden with water vapor and thermostatically regulated to a temperature comprised between 30° C. and 70° C. The relative humidity content during precipitation of the fluorinated polymer is advantageously between about 60% and about 98%.

Abstract: The description includes materials that may be useful for fuel cell applications such as in the manufacture of fuel cell electrodes, proton exchange membranes (PEM), as catalyst additives or in tie layers designed to be thermally and chemically robust while operating within a fuel cell's harsh environment at higher temperatures and to conduct protons, with significantly higher levels of bound acidic groups, while in a low hydration state. Methods of making the materials are also described.

Abstract: An ionically conductive polymer has the chemical structure 1 as shown herein. Examples of the polymer include 4,4?-(4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing carboxylic acid backbone, and sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone from carboxylic acid containing sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone). The polymer has intrinsic ion conducting properties so that it is effectively conductive even under low water conditions. In one embodiment, the polymer has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 S/cm at a temperature of 120° C. when the polymer is substantially anhydrous.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups comprising recurring units derived from at least one ethylenicalty unsaturated monomer comprising at least one fluorine atom (fluorinated monomer); and a substantial amount of recurring units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one ion exchange group (functional monomer), wherein the amount of unstable end groups of —COF type is of less than 0.05 mmol/kg, and the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: Described herein are modified sulfonated block copolymers which comprise at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B, wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block comprises sulfonation susceptible monomer units and, based on the number of the sulfonation susceptible monomer units, from about 10 to about 100 mol % of a functional group of formula (I) —SO2—NR1R2??(I) or of a salt thereof, methods of making them as well as methods of using them, e.g., as membrane materials for electrically or osmotically driven applications.

Abstract: A composite membrane includes a filtration membrane and a layer on a surface of the filtration membrane. The layer includes a polymer including a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivative with a hydrophilic moiety attached to at least one vertex thereof. A method for making a composite membrane includes applying to a surface of a filtration membrane a photopolymerizable composition including a POSS compound, a hydrophilic comonomer, and a photoinitiator. The composition is cured to form a hydrophilic layer on the filtration membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyolefin microporous membrane in which a degree of crystallinity is from 60 to 85%, and a tie molecular volume fraction is from 0.7 to 1.7%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.

Abstract: Hydrolytically and thermo-oxidatively stable sulfonated polyarylenes include the structural element —X—Ar(SO3M)n-Y—. The aromatic ring carrying the sulfonic acid group is substituted exclusively by electron-acceptor bridge groups X and Y and, if applicable, by other non-electron-donor substituents. Their synthesis and application are also included.

Abstract: To provide an electrolyte membrane having excellent dimensional stability even upon absorption of water, a high proton conductance and high power generation performance; and a process for producing the electrolyte membrane with a high productivity. An electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is made mainly of an ion exchange resin and reinforced with a nonwoven fabric made of fiber of a fluororesin wherein at least some of intersecting points of the fiber are fixed, and which has, as the outermost layer on one side or each side, a layer not reinforced, made of an ion exchange resin which may be the same as or different from the above ion exchange resin, wherein the fluororesin is an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a melting point of at most 240° C., and the above fixing is fixing by fusion of the fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a proton-conducting polymer and uses thereof and, more particularly, a hydrocarbon-based proton-conducting polymer derived from a monomer having a multi-naphthyl group and comprising a plurality of acid groups on the side chain of the repeating unit, an electrolyte membrane comprising the polymer, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides polymer pi-bond-philic filler composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and a pi-bond-philic filler, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer pi-bond-philic filler composite. The instant invention also generally provides a process of separating a pi-bond-philic gas from a separable gas mixture comprising the pi-bond-philic gas.

Abstract: A polymer represented by the following Formula 1, and a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell system including the polymer: In the above Formula 1, definitions of the substituents are the same as in described in the detailed description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer, a manufacturing method thereof and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cation exchange membrane consisting in a polymeric matrix on the surface of which is(are) grafted at least one group of formula —R1—(CH2)m—NR2R3 and/or at least one molecule bearing at least one group of formula —R1—(CH2)m—NR2R3 wherein R1 represents an aryl group; m represents 0, 1, or 3; R2 and R3, either identical or different, represent a hydrogen or an alkyl group. The present invention relates to a method for preparing such a membrane and to its uses.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a hydrophilic polymer membrane for use in a membrane electrode assembly, comprising the polymerization of a material or materials from which the membrane may be formed, wherein the polymerization is by UV curing.

Abstract: A functional membrane and a production method thereof including: an ion irradiation step in which a polymer film substrate is irradiated with high energy heavy ions at 104 to 1014 ions/cm2, to generate active species in the film substrate; and a graft polymerization step in which after the ion irradiation step, the film substrate is added with one or more monomers selected from a group A consisting of monomers each having a functional group and 1 to 80 mol % of a monomer including a group B consisting of a crosslinking agent(s) for the group A monomer(s), and the film substrate and the monomer(s) are graft-polymerized. There is obtained a functional membrane having high functionality in conjunction with the gas barrier property intrinsically possessed by a polymer film substrate, in particular, a polymer electrolyte membrane optimal as a polymer electrolyte membrane for use in fuel cells, high in proton conductivity and excellent in gas barrier property.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyarylene-based polymer, a preparation method for the same, and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the polymer. The polyarylene-based polymer, which is designed to have long side chains of a hydrophilic moiety and dense sulfonic acid groups, may improve the formation of ion channels when fabricating a polymer membrane and also ensures good chemical stability of the hydrophilic moiety and good dimensional stability against water. Further, the preparation method of the present invention simplifies production of the polymer, and polymer electrolyte membranes using the polymer exhibits improved properties as a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, such as high proton conductivity, even under an atmosphere of low water uptake, and good dimensional stability against a long-term exposure to water.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole block polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode units or so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, and a fuel cell system comprising the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a metal-bound inorganic ion-conductive salt and an ion-conductive cation exchange resin.