Abstract: An electrolyte membrane having a proton conducting polymer reinforced with a nanofiber mat made from a nanofiber comprising a fiber material selected from polymers and polymer blends; wherein the fiber material has a fiber material proton conductivity; wherein the proton conducting polymer has a proton conducting polymer conductivity; and wherein the fiber material proton conductivity is less than the proton conducting polymer conductivity, and methods of making. In some embodiments, the nanofiber further comprises a proton conducting polymer.

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: 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: A polymer electrolyte membrane is provided having a thickness of 90 microns or less and comprising a polymer, said polymer comprising a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the formula: YOSO2—CF2—CF2—CF2—CF2—O-[polymer backbone]??(I) where Y is H+ or a monovalent cation such as an alkali metal cation. Typically, the membrane is a cast membrane. Typically, the polymer has a hydration product of greater than 22,000. Typically, the polymer has an equivalent weight of 800-1200.

Abstract: Zwitterionic imide compounds are provided according to the formula: R1—SO2—N?—SO2—R2+, where R1 and R2+ are any suitable groups. Typically R1 is a highly fluorinated alkane and R2+ contains a quaternary ammonium group or a heteroatomic aromatic group having an cationic nitrogen, such as: pyridiniumyl, pyridaziniumyl, pyrimidiniumyl, pyraziniumyl, imidazoliumyl, pyrazoliumyl, thiazoliumyl, oxazoliumyl, or triazoliumyl. Zwitterionic liquids are provided, typically having melting points of less than 100° C. and typically having a solubility in water of less than 5% by weight.

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic-imide and aromatic-methylidynetrissulfonyl species by reaction of aromatic species with a reactant according to formula (I):

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane is provided having a thickness of 90 microns or less and comprising a polymer, said polymer comprising a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the formula:

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic-imide and aromatic-methylidynetrissulfonyl species by reaction of aromatic species with a reactant according to formula (I): (X—SO2—)m—QH—(—SO2—R1)n  (I) wherein Q is C or N; wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of halogens, typically F or Cl; wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, which may or may not be saturated, unsaturated, straight-chain, branched, cyclic, heteroatomic, polymeric, halogenated, fluorinated or substituted; wherein m is greater than 0; wherein m+n=2 when Q is N; and wherein m+n=3 when Q is C. Ar may be derived from an aromatic polymeric compound.

Abstract: A process for preparing multi-layer proton exchange membranes (“PEM's”), and membrane electrode assemblies (“MEA's”) that includes the PEM. The process includes (a) providing an article that includes an ionomer membrane adhered to a substrate, the membrane having a surface available for coating; (b) applying a dispersion or solution (e.g., an ionomer dispersion or solution) to the membrane surface; (c) drying the dispersion or solution to form a multi-layer PEM adhered to the substrate; and (d) removing the multi-layer PEM from the substrate. Also featured a multi-layer PEM's and MEA's incorporating such PEM's.

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic-imide and aromatic-methylidynetrissulfonyl species by reaction of aromatic species with a reactant according to formula (I): (X—SO2—)m—QH—(—SO2—R1)n  (I) wherein Q is C or N; wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of halogens, typically F or Cl; wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, which may or may not be saturated, unsaturated, straight-chain, branched, cyclic, heteroatomic, polymeric, halogenated, fluorinated or substituted; wherein m is greater than 0; wherein m+n=2 when Q is N; and wherein m+n=3 when Q is C. Ar may be derived from an aromatic polymeric compound.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided which comprises an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). Additionally, the MEA may include annealed catalyst layers annealed in contact with the annealed PEM. Additionally, methods of manufacture are provided. MEA's according to the present invention may be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic-imide and aromatic-methylidynetrissulfonyl species by reaction of aromatic species with a reactant according to formula (I):

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic-imide and aromatic-methylidynetrissulfonyl species by reaction of aromatic species with a reactant according to formula (I):

Abstract: Zwitterionic imide compounds are provided according to the formula: R1—SO2—N−—SO2—R2+, where R1 and R2+are any suitable groups. Typically R1 is a highly fluorinated alkane and R2+contains a quaternary ammonium group or a heteroatomic aromatic group having an cationic nitrogen, such as: pyridiniumyl, pyridaziniumyl, pyrimidiniumyl, pyraziniumyl, imidazoliumyl, pyrazoliumyl, thiazoliumyl, oxazoliumyl, or triazoliumyl. Zwitterionic liquids are provided, typically having melting points of less than 100 ° C. and typically having a solubility in water of less than 5% by weight.

Abstract: Novel sulfonylinide and sulfonylmethide compounds are described which are useful as conductive salts. Also described is the use of the above compounds in salt form in battery electrolytes, particular salts having mixed perfluorocaron and hydrocarbon groups or having all hydrocarbon groups. The above salts are less expensive to produce and still exhibit excellent conductivity and low corrosivity.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided which comprises an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). Additionally, the MEA may include annealed catalyst layers annealed in contact with the annealed PEM. Additionally, methods of manufacture are provided. MEA's according to the present invention may be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane is provided comprising an intimate mixture of an ionomeric polymer and a structural film-forming polymer. A method of making the polymer electrolyte membrane is also provided, comprising the step of coalescing at least one of an ionomeric polymer and a structural film-forming polymer in a mixture of the two resulting from a mixed dispersion and optionally crosslinking one or both.

Abstract: Novel sulfonylimide and sulfonylmethide compounds are described which are useful as conductive salts. Also described is the use of the above compounds in salt form in battery electrolytes, particular salts having mixed perfluorocarbon and hydrocarbon groups or having all hydrocarbon groups. The above salts are less expensive to produce and still exhibit excellent conductivity and low corrosivity.