Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel solid polymer electrolyte more particularly thin film terpolymer networks are disclosed that are highly conductive at ambient temperatures. This solid polymer electrolyte can be produced as a thin film that results from the polymerization of three selected monomers together with a lithium salt and plasticizers. The resulting solid polymer electrolyte does have excellent mechanical properties and ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and can be used in the fabrication of a solid state battery and other solid state electrochemical devices such as supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, electrochromic devices or the like.

Abstract: An electrolytic membrane for use in fuel cell includes a fluid-imbibed acidified polybenzimidazole resin. The resin is alkyl or aryl sulfonated or alkyl or aryl phosphonated, preferably with a degree of substitution of from 15 to about 60 per cent.

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: Composite, ternary, polymeric system formed by intimately mixing a polymeric compound, a metal salt, and a ceramic additive acting both as agent promoting the transport features (conductivity and ion mobility) and as stabilizer of the chemical characteristics (compatibility with the electrode materials) of the polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: A solid ion conductive polymer electrolyte for use particularly in rechargeable batteries, capacitors and other electrochemical devices is comprised mainly of a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide or a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative, a diester compound containing a polyoxyalkylene component, a monoester compound containing a polyoxyalkylene component and an ion conductive metallic salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electron-conducting molecular preparation designed to act as a conductor by receiving an electron at its one end and conducting the electron along its molecular structure to its other end. The molecule in the preparation has the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 12the groups X and Y are identical or different and denote functional substituents bound to the pyridine nitrogen, or one or both of X and Y are absent, andR, being identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic side chain introduced for enhancing the solubility of the molecule in organic solvents, for example a branched or unbranched alkyl or alkoxy group containing any number of carbon atoms.The molecular preparations can be incorporated in a substantially insulating membrane to act as conductors between an electroactive species and an electrode in diagnostic determinations.

Abstract: Diaphragm for use in cells for the electrolysis of alkaline halide solutions comprising: 100 parts by weight of asbestos fibers, 30 to 70 parts by weight of silica-based derivatives and 20 to 60 parts by weight of fluorinated polymers, deposited on a porous material. The weight ratio of the fluorinated polymers and the silica-based derivatives is between 0.6 to 1.2 and preferably between 0.6 to 0.9 with the exception of a diaphragm obtained by depositing a suspension comprising 100 parts by dry weight of asbestos fibers, 30 parts by dry weight of silica-based derivatives, 25 parts by dry weight of fluorinated polymers and 1.5 parts by dry weight of a thickening agent. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of an optionally microporous diaphragm. The diaphragms of the invention are especially useful in aqueous alkaline halide solutions electrolysis cells.

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: A self-contained, gas-generating electrochemical cell has been invented. The cell contains an anode which is exposed to water or water containing material, a water permeable, ion-conducting separator between the anode from the cathode and a cathode composed of an electrochemically decomposable chemical compound which produces water in the presence of protons and electrons.An exemplary cell contains silver oxide as a principal component of the cathode, water as the principal anode component and a proton conducting membrane. The silver oxide reacts with protons electrically driven through said membrane and electrons from a power-source to form elemental silver and water. Deposition of elemental silver in the cathode compartment is advantageous inasmuch as it improves the electronic conductivity of the material in the cathode compartment. Water, in the anode, decomposes to protons and molecular oxygen while releasing electrons.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to solid polymer electrolyte membranes comprising proton conducting polymers stable at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C., the polymer being basic polymer complexed with a strong acid or an acid polymer. The invention further relates to the use of such membranes in electrolytic cells and acid fuel cells. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of polybenzimidazole as a suitable polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: The polymer solid-electrolyte composition according to the present invention comprises a polymer solid electrolyte selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid, polysulfones, perfluorocarbonic acid, styrene-divinylbenzene sulfonic acid cation-exchange resins and styrene-butadiene anion-exchange resins, and 0.01-50% by weight of fine particle silica and/or fibrous silica fiber relative to the weight of the polymer solid electrolyte.

Abstract: The production of high purity oxygen and hydrogen gases can be accomplished utilizing an electrolysis assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween, an anode chamber, and a cathode chamber. This ion exchange membrane has been multiply impregnated with catalyst and therefore contains internal catalyst sites where hydrogen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the cathode chamber, and oxygen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the anode chamber, react to form water. Reacting the hydrogen and oxygen gases within the ion exchange membrane prevents these gases from contaminating the oxygen stream in the anode chamber and the hydrogen stream in the cathode chamber, respectively.

Abstract: Methods, and various apparatus therefor, are disclosed for the electrolytic treatment of an acidic solution. Generally the method comprises: (a) providing an electrolytic cell, the cell comprising: (i) an anode chamber and an anode therein; (ii) a cathode chamber and a cathode therein; and (iii) a diaphragm. Usually the diaphragm is of a non-isotropic fibrous mat comprising 5-70 weight percent organic halocarbon polymer fiber in adherent combination with about 30-95 weight percent of finely divided inorganic particulate impacted into said fiber during fiber formation, the diaphragm having a weight per unit of surface area of about 3-12 kilograms per square meter. The method can continue by (b) introducing the acidic solution into the cell; (c) impressing a current on the anode and the cathode causing the migration of ions through the diaphragm; and (d) recovering a product of the electrolytic treatment from the anode chamber, or the cathode chamber, or from both chambers.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-free microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 0% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of a mixture of poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers and inorganic fibers, such inorganic fibers constituting from 1% to 80% by weight of the mixture and such inorganic fibers including carbon, graphite or titanate fibers, or admixture thereof.

Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.

Abstract: Composite polymer membranes are disclosed comprising a first polymeric material which defines a porous matrix, and a second polymeric material which at least partially fills, and thereby blocks, the pores of the matrix, and in which preferably each of the first and second materials are crosslinked. The membrane preferably includes a layer of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid which is graft-polymerized with the first polymeric material of the porous matrix on one of its surfaces. Crosslinking has been found to improve the transport characteristics of species through the membrane, such as the barrier performance of the membrane towards species dissolved in solution.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of polysiloxane acrylates in solid electrolytes containing a solid polymeric matrix. The solid electrolytes are used in electrochemical cells for secondary batteries.

Abstract: The present invention describes a perfluorinated ionomer membrane having a improved transport characteristics. A surfactant species is added to a polymer mixture prior to film casting. The resulting membranes have a measurably altered membrane microstructure and improved transport characteristics over prior art membranes. The present invention describes the method of producing the improved membranes. The membranes of the present invention are useful in a number of separation processes, including the separation of NH.sub.3 from gaseous and liquid mixtures, in the production of NaOH and Cl.sub.2 gas from the electrolytic dissolution of NaCl, in the separation of toxic and radioactive metals from aqueous streams, and in solid polymer electrolyte H.sub.2 /O.sub.2 fuel cells.

Abstract: A porous composite material for diaphragms for high-output electrochemical cells such as lithium cells. The material is a layered structure of fluoropolymer and polyolefin that provides a shut-down capability that safeguards against dangerous failure of the cell, such as a rupture or fire that may result from a short-circuit or other high-rate electric discharge.

Abstract: A method for producing an acid and/or an alkali metal hydroxide, from a neutral salt by electrodialysis employing a bipolar membrane and an anion exchange membrane and/or a cation exchange membrane, wherein as the anion exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane made of a polymer having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having up to two carbon atoms, and having an ion-exchange capacity of from 1 to 5 meq/g dry resin, is used.

Abstract: A battery separator composed of a microporous sheet product having first and second major surfaces and a thickness of less than about 50 mils, formed from a uniform mixture of a polysulfone polymer and a filler or polysulfone polymer and structure enhancing agent, said sheet product having a fibrous sheet embedded within said mixture and between the first and second major surfaces. The porosity of the sheet product is at least about 60 volume percent composed of pores such that the average pore diameter increases from each major surface toward the interior of the sheet product's thickness.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane reinforced with leno weave yarn system having sacrificial fibers paired with resistant fibers in the warp of the fabric, and an electrolysis process using the membrane are disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a bipolar membrane, according to which a cationic membrane is treated with a compound of a polyvalent metal and with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution comprising lithium hydroxide and is then joined side by side to an anionic membrane. The bipolar membrane finds an application in the manufacture of aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions by electrodialysis.No figure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane that is selective for anions, particularly phosphate, comprising an ionophore based on a uranyl complex with the annexed general formula, whereinA, B, C, D=RA+B+C+D=(C.sub.5 -C.sub.7) aryl, (C.sub.5 -C.sub.7) cycloalkyl,(C.sub.1 -C.sub.30) alkyl (C.sub.5 -C.sub.10) aryl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.30) alkyl (C.sub.5 -C.sub.10) cycloalkyl,E+E', G+G'=aryl, such as phenyl and naphthyl, or aryl substituted with a substituent (C.sub.1 -C.sub.30) alkoxy, or aryl substituted with the individual substituent or the substituent joined by ring closure K and/or K--CONH--L, whereinK, L=H --R--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, --R--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --R, --X--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, --X(CH.sub.2).sub.m --R, --X--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --X, --X(CH.sub.2).sub.m --X--R, --RX(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, --RX(CH.sub.2).sub.m --XR, --X--(R--X).sub.n --,wherein X=O, S; m= 0-10 and n= 0-10R=(C.sub.1 -C.sub.30) alkyl, (C.sub.5 -C.sub.10) aryl, (C.sub.5 -C.sub.10) cycloalkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.30) alkyl (C.sub.5 -C.sub.10) aryl, (C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic gas generator for generating fluorine and other chemicals and more particularly, to a more efficient electrolyzer having reduced resistance between the cathode and anode and which prevents the migration of gas between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel solid electrolytes containing a solid polymeric matrix having incorporated therein allylic ester or carbonate. The solid electrolytes are used in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A novel, heterogeneous ion exchange membrane, methods for making such a membrane, and devices containing such a membrane are disclosed. Such membranes comprise linear low or linear medium density polyethylene or high molecular weight high density polyethylene as a binder and can incorporate a wide variety of ion exchange resin materials. The membranes can be fabricated using extrusion or other melt processing procedures to produce a product, which upon conditioning in water, exhibits properties adapted for use in numerous applications.

Abstract: The production of high purity oxygen and hydrogen gases can be accomplished utilizing an electrolysis assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween, an anode chamber, and a cathode chamber. This ion exchange membrane has been multiply impregnated with catalyst and therefore contains internal catalyst sites where hydrogen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the cathode chamber, and oxygen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the anode chamber, react to form water. Reacting the hydrogen and oxygen gases within the ion exchange membrane prevents these gases from contaminating the oxygen stream in the anode chamber and the hydrogen stream in the cathode chamber, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for modifying a fluorinated ion exchange membrane by irradiation of the membrane with a sufficient dose of non-spark-producing radiation to increase water absorption and/or ionic conductivity of the membrane. The membranes are particularly useful in fuel cells and chloralkali cells.

Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. An elastomeric compression pad comprised of an oil adsorbent sheet surrounding an elastomeric material with expansion pathways and electrical pathways, that utilize a conductive powder and elastomeric binder compensates for component dimensional variations, improves inter-cell conductivity, and allows high pressure operation up to about 3,000 psig.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-based microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 1% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of fibers, at least 1% by weight of such fibers being asbestos fibers.

Abstract: Thin polymeric films, coatings and ionic conductors by cross-linking a polymer matrix, such as a polyethyleneimine, polyetheramine, polyallylamine or polyacrlyamide, with a fluorocarbon containing epoxide or anhydride. The compositions are of high integrity and posses properties, such as insulation, ion conduction, anticorrosion, antifouling and self-adhesion. Specific compositions absorb and release acidic gases and liquids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for maintaining or increasing electrolyte flow rate through a microporous diaphragm in an electrochemical cell for the production of hydrogen peroxide by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of a stabilizing agent. Flow rate is maintained or increased by complexing transition metal ions or compounds with the stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A process is provided for hydrolysis of fluorinated ion exchange membranes. The membrane is contacted with an aqueous solution containing a hydrocarbon having ether, epoxy or ketone linkages and an alcohol group, preferably 1-methoxy 2-propanol, for a period of time sufficient to perform the hydrolysis of the precursor groups. The membrane is useful in a fuel cell or in an electrolytic cell, particularly a chloralkali cell.

Abstract: A diaphragm for electrolyzing alkali metal chloride solutions is provided which is one or more layers of a porous support, coated with a perfluoro ion exchange polymer and then wet with a wetting solution which has a surface tension of 22 to 45 dynes/cm. The wetting solution is preferably an aqueous alcohol and most preferably aqueous 3-6.5% butanol. The wetting solution assists in initial water penetration into the pores of the diaphragm, rendering the diaphragm hydrophilic so as to resist gas locking and premature shutdown of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A supported, mechanically stable bipolar membrane for electrodialysis having a cation-exchange layer on one side and an anion-exchange layer on the other side of a single sheet of woven fabric. The cation exchange layer is heterogeneous, the anion exchange layer is homogeneous and the two are interlocked. A process of making such bipolar membranes is described. The bipolar membrane may be fabricated into electrodialysis cells in which two membranes are joined along their edges.

Abstract: Mixed oxygen ion and electronic conducting bismuth oxide based ceramic materials having high ambipolar activity which can be fabricated into thin membranes for high efficiency oxygen separation from air at intermediate temperatures. The ceramic materials may be homogeneous microstructures in the form of solid solutions or compounds or may be composite non-homogeneous microstructures of a separate substantially continuous oxygen ion conductive phase and a substantially continuous electronic conductive phase.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided for electrolyzing water into its constituent elements, namely oxygen and hydrogen gas. The electrolyzer includes a vessel in which a sulfonated solid polymer electrolyte is situated. The sulfonated solid polymer electrolyte is selected from a group including sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK), sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), sulfonated polybenzimidazole (SPBI), sulfonated polyphenylquinoxaline (SPPQ) and sulfonated fluorinated polyimide (SFPI). The electrolyzer also includes anode and cathode electrodes situated on the electrolyte. A direct current (DC) power supply is coupled to said anode and cathode electrodes to drive the reaction. A heater heats the electrolyte and a water supply is connected to one of said cathode and anode electrodes. The resultant oxygen and hydrogen are collected at the respective electrodes. The solid polymer electrolyte desirably operates with relatively high ionic conductivity at high temperatures without loss of structural integrity.

Abstract: Materials for treating and/or repairing electrolytic cell separators, especially diaphragms for chlor-alkali cells, including processes for making such treating materials and processes for using such materials to treat and/or repair an electrolytic cell separator or chlor-alkali diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing cation exchange membrane for electrolysis, which comprises a first layer of a fluorine-containing polymer having cation exchange groups and reinforced with a porous base material and a second layer of a fluorine-containing polymer having carboxylic acid groups, present on the cathode side of the first layer, wherein at least 1/2 of the thickness of the porous base material protrudes from the first layer towards the anode side, the protrusions of the porous base material are covered with a coating layer of a fluorine-containing polymer having cation exchange groups so that the coating layer is integrated with the first layer, and the anode side surface of the coating layer has a roughness corresponding to the surface contour of the porous base material.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for modifying a fluorinated cation exchange membrane by irradiation of the membrane in its salt form with a sufficient dose of non-spark-producing radiation to increase the current efficiency in the use of the membrane for electrolyzing sodium chloride solution to produce high concentrations of caustic.

Abstract: A method for the electrolysis of an alkali metal chloride in an electrolytic cell is disclosed, in which use is made of a cation exchange membrane comprising a carboxylate-containing fluorocarbon polymer layer disposed on a cathode compartment side and provided on its surface with an inorganic coating, and a sulfonate and/or carboxylate-containing fluorocarbon polymer layer disposed on an anode compartment side and having a water content of from 3 to 10% by weight. By this method, an alkali metal hydroxide, e.g., sodium hydroxide, can be directly produced in a concentration as high as 45-55 % by weight from a saline solution having an alkali metal chloride concentration as low as from 3.0 to 3.5N with reduced energy consumption, stably for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: Alkali metal sulfates are electrolyzed to more concentrated solutions of alkali metal hydroxide and sulfuric acid by using a three-compartment electrodialysis cell at temperatures of .gtoreq.70.degree. to .gtoreq.150.degree. C. and current densities of from 0.5 to 15 kA/m.sup.2 using an anion exchange membrane whose polymeric ion exchange matrix comprises a styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer containing very strongly basic quaternary ammonium groups and a hydronium ion blocker, on whose central compartment side is an ion exchange layer or membrane containing tertiary or secondary amino groups.

Abstract: A monopolar ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell assembly comprising a plurality of unit electrolytic cells connected electritically in parallel to one another, each formed by clamping an anode compartment frame and a cathode compartment frame with an ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween, the anode and cathode compartment frames each having a feeding and discharging system for an electrolyte and a discharging system for generated gas, wherein:(a) an anode is made of a foraminous plate fixed to the anode compartment frame so that it is close to or in contact with the ion exchange membrane, and electricity is supplied to the foraminous plate via power supply rods and/or power supply ribs from a power source located outside the cell,(b) a cathode is made of flexible foraminous metal plate having good conductivity with an electric resistance at 20.degree. C. of not higher than 10 .mu..OMEGA..

Abstract: A reinforced fluorinated cation exchange membrane for the electrolysis of alkali halide solutions is reinforced with fabric containing both sacrificial and permanent fibers in which the anolyte surface of the membrane is abraded to expose some of the reinforcement crossover points. A process for abrading the membrane and an electrolytic cell using the membrane are also claimed. The preferred method of abrasion is continuous sanding. The abraded membrane improves the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus therefor, for the electrolytic treatment of an acidic solution which comprises: (a) providing an electrolytic cell, the cell comprising: (i) an anode chamber and an anode therein; (ii) a cathode chamber and a cathode therein; (iii) a diaphragm of a non-isotropic fibrous mat comprising 5-70 weight percent organic halocarbon polymer fiber in adherent combination with about 30-95 weight percent of finely divided inorganic particulate impacted into said fiber during fiber formation, the diaphragm having a weight per unit of surface area of about 3-12 kilograms per square meter; (b) introducing the acidic solution into the cell; (c) applying a DC voltage between the anode and the cathode causing the migration of ions through the diaphragm; and (d) recovering a product of the electrolytic treatment from the anode chamber, or the cathode chamber, or from both chambers.

Abstract: An ionophore according to the general formula I wherein the substituents are chosen such that the ionophore is either also polymerized in the matrix of a membrane selective for metal ions or interwoven therewith. Thus obtained is a membrane having a long useful life for use in diverse sensors such as ISFET, ion-selective electrode, and the like.

Abstract: A low electrical resistance bipolar membrane formed by the conjoining of treated anion and cation exchange membranes is disclosed. The treatment comprises contacting the membranes with an aqueous solution of at least one cation prior to conjoining and contacting at least one face of the membranes with an aqueous alkaline solution.A process for the preparation of acid and alkali using these bipolar membranes is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar membrane comprising a cation-exchange membrane in which a cation-exchange group present at least at its adhered surface has been ion-exchanged with a heavy metal ion, which is adhered closely to an anion-exchange membrane at a peel strength of not less than 0.2 kg f/25 mm, and having a water-splitting current efficiency of not less than 80% and a water-splitting membrane potential of not more than 2.0 V.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell employs an ionic semiconductor material as a separator between an anolyte and a catholyte. Ionic semiconductor material includes 10 to approximately 50 percent by weight of a hydrogel which is dispersed within an inert nonporous matrix material to form a composite wherein the quantity of water that can be absorbed by the composite does not substantially exceed the weight of the composite.