Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 7, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 15, 2008
Assignee:
ITM Power Ltd
Inventors:
Donald James Highgate, Jonathan Anthony Lloyd
Abstract: A hydrophilic cross-linked polymer obtainable by copolymerization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers that give a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on polymerization; a monomer including a strongly ionic group; and water is useful as the membrane in an assembly that can be used in an electrolyter or fuel cell. More generally, a membrane electrode assembly comprises electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane which comprises a hydrophilic polymer including a strongly ionic group. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane, comprises introducing between the electrodes a material or materials from which the membrane can be formed, and forming the membrane in situ.