Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: An integral composite membrane is provided including a porous polymeric membrane impregnated with a perfluoro ion exchange material to make the micropores of the membrane occlusive and a surfactant having a molecular weight greater than 100 wherein the thickness of the composite membrane is less than 0.025 mm. Methods for making and regenerating the integral composite membrane are also provided.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising at least one composite membrane which includes a porous support impregnated with ion exchange resin to make the pores of the support occlusive, wherein the thickness of the composite membrane is less than 0.025 mm. The membrane is strong and has good ionic conductivity. Methods of making the composite membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: An integral composite membrane is provided including a porous polymeric membrane impregnated with a perfluoro ion exchange material to make the micropores of the membrane occlusive and a surfactant having a molecular weight greater than 100 wherein the thickness of the composite membrane is less than 0.025 mm. Methods for making and regenerating the integral composite membrane are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinct advancement over presently known ion-exchange composite membranes, and the techniques for making such membranes. In one embodiment of the present invention, this is accomplished by a thin integral composite membrane comprised of a microporous polymer film, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having a porous microstructure defined by polymeric fibrils, which provides a reinforcing support that supports an ion-exchange polymer resin or material on one side of the porous polymeric film and supports another different ion-exchange polymer resin on the other side. Thus, the invention uses two different ion-exchange resins on each side of a porous polymeric support film. By employing ionic exchange resins which differ in structure, functional groups or equivalent weight, or a combination of such, a wide variety of composites can be made and tailored to specific end uses.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: An ultra-thin composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material is a membrane which is defined by a thickness of less than 1 mil (0.025 mm) and a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: An ultra-thin composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material is a membrane which is defined by a thickness of less than 1 mil (0.025 mm) 0.8 mils and a microstructure characterized by node interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.