Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material and at least one compound of formula (I) with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture. Formula (I) is defined as: where R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl and X? is an anion.

Abstract: There is provided herein a process of integrating electrically conductive material into a surface layer of an electrically conductive polymer, comprising the steps of including an electrically conductive material in a polymerisation mixture capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer, such that the material is provided across an uppermost and/or a lowermost region of the polymerisation mixture; and subsequently polymerising the polymerisation mixture. Also provided is an electrically conductive polymer and a supercapacitor formed using the process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process of integrating electrically conductive nanoparticulate material into a surface layer of an electrically conductive cross-linked polymer, comprising the steps of: immersing an electrically conductive cross-linked polymer in a first medium; and subsequently immersing the electrically conductive cross-linked polymer in a second medium; wherein the first medium comprises an electrically conductive nanoparticulate material dispersed in a non-aqueous polar liquid, and the second medium comprises an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material and at least one compound of formula (I) with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture. Formula (I) is defined as: where R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl and X? is an anion.

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material and at least one compound of formula (I) with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture. Formula (I) is defined as: where R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl and X? is an anion.

Abstract: A material comprising an ionically conducting polymer (ICP) positioned between and in direct contact with two electronically conducting polymers (ECP).

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture.

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture.

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material and at least one compound of formula (I) with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture. Formula (I) is defined as: where R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl and X? is an anion.

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture.

Abstract: A material comprising an ionically conducting polymer (ICP) positioned between and in direct contact with two electronically conducting polymers (ECP).

Abstract: A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer comprising the steps of: providing a co-monomer solution comprising at least one hydrophobic monomer, at least one hydrophilic monomer, water, at least one amino acid and at least one cross-linker; and polymerising the co-monomer solution.

Abstract: A hydrophilic cross-linked polymer obtainable by copolymerisation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers that give a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on polymerisation; 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.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for forming a ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) soaking the polymer membrane of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers, for a sufficient length of time to allow the solution to penetrate through the entire polymer membrane; and (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (ii) to form an essentially homogenous ionic polymer. In a second aspect, a method for forming a catalyst-coated ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) dipping the polymer of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers; (iia) depositing a catalyst onto the monomer-coated polymer; (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (iia). The present invention also includes membranes formed using these methods.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for forming a ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) soaking the polymer membrane of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers, for a sufficient length of time to allow the solution to penetrate through the entire polymer membrane; and (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (ii) to form an essentially homogenous ionic polymer. In a second aspect, a method for forming a catalyst-coated ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) dipping the polymer of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers; (iia) depositing a catalyst onto the monomer-coated polymer; (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (iia). The present invention also includes membranes formed using these methods.

Abstract: A composite membrane suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, comprises layers of a hydrophilic material and of a second material having relatively high conductivity and which is also relatively susceptible to dehydration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly obtainable by the in situ polymerization between two electrodes of one or more monomers to form a polymer, and then infusing an activating agent into the polymer, wherein the activating agent enables the membrane electrode assembly to function as a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A flexible MEA comprises an integral assembly of electrode, catalyst and ionomeric membrane material.

Abstract: A method of electrolysing water, using a water electrolyser having cathode and anode compartments respectively on either side of a hydrophilic polymer cation-exchange membrane, the method comprising: (i) adding water to the anode compartment only, such that the cathode compartment is predominantly free of water in liquid form; (ii) electrolysing the water to form hydrogen gas in the cathode compartment and oxygen gas in the anode compartment; and (iii) re-circulating the hydrogen gas through the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly obtainable by the in situ polymerisation between two electrodes of one or more monomers to form a polymer, and then infusing an activating agent into the polymer, wherein the activating agent enables the membrane electrode assembly to function as a photovoltaic cell.