Membrane Or Process Of Preparing Patents (Class 521/27)
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Publication number: 20110218255Abstract: The preparation of aromatic sulfonimide polymers useful as membranes in electrochemical cells is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Mark F. Teasley
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Publication number: 20110215240Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane with excellent proton conductivity in its thickness direction. Preferably, the polymer electrolyte membrane contains a polymer compound comprising an ionic segment having an ionic functional group and a nonionic segment having substantially no ionic functional group, and the phase containing ionic segments as a main component and the phase containing nonionic segments as a main component are phase-separated, and in the surface region thereof, the change in the amount of the ionic segment from the surface toward the interior substantially decreases monotonically.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Junichi IKEUCHI, Mitsunori NODONO, Yasuhiro YAMASHITA
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Patent number: 8013026Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, because of its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used in a variety of ways and is particularly useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to produce membrane electrode units for PEM fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Gordon Calundann, Michael J. Sansone, Oemer Uensal, Joachim Kiefer
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Patent number: 8008406Abstract: A fuel cell membrane is described comprising at least one sulfonated aromatic polyether copolymer comprising a poly-arylen-ether-ketone (PEK) moiety or sulfonated derivatives thereof, deriving from spiro-bis-indane or 4,4?-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF), and an arylene-sulfone, or an arylene-ketone or sulfonated derivative thereof; said copolymer having the following formula (1): wherein Ar1 has formula, wherein X is spiro-bis-indanile (SBI) (b) or BPAF (c) having formulas: and wherein Y is H or SO3H, and Ar2 has formula wherein W is CO or SO2, and Y is H or SO3H, wherein Z is OH or Cl; and wherein at least one between Ar1 or Ar2 comprise at least one sulfonic group; and wherein n is an integer comprised between 2 and 50. A method for the production of such membrane is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Marco Antonio Salanitri, Giuseppe Consiglio, Chiara Silvana Leo, Stefania Calamia
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Patent number: 8008360Abstract: A proton exchange membrane and method for formation the same is disclosed. When forming the proton exchange membrane, first, a bismaleimide and barbituric acid are copolymerized to form a hyper-branched polymer. Next, the solvent of the sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer (Nafion) aqueous solution is replaced with dimethyl acetamide (DMAc). 10 to 15 parts by weight of the hyper-branched polymer is added to 90 to 85 parts by weight of the Nafion in the DMAc solution, stood and heated to 50° C. for inter-penetration of the hyper-branched polymer and the Nafion. The heated solution is coated on a substrate, baked, and pre-treated to remove residue solvent to complete formation of the proton exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chung-Liang Chang, Jing-Pin Pan, Tsung-Hsiung Wang, Yueh-Wei Lin, Ya-Tin Hsu
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Patent number: 8008361Abstract: A method for preparing a polymer anion-exchange membrane by forming a chloromethylated polymer, quaternizing the chloromethylated polymer, and casting. The method is simple to use and the obtained polymer anion-exchange membrane has good mechanical properties, improved thermal and chemical stability, as well as high ion-exchange capacity.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventors: Lin Zhuang, Jing Pan, Aibin Huang, Shanfu Lu, Juntao Lu
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Patent number: 8003732Abstract: An ion conducting polymeric structure suitable for fuel cell applications is provided. The polymeric structure comprises a non-homogenous polymeric layer. The non-homogeneous layer is a blend of a first polymer comprising cyclobutyl moiety; and a second polymer having a non-ionic polymer segment. The weight ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer varies as a function of position within the non-homogenous layer. The blend composition may be cast into an electrolyte membrane that can be used to prepare electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sean M MacKinnon, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20110196051Abstract: An electrolyte membrane includes a cross-linked reaction product of a benzoxazine monomer and a cross-linkable compound. The electrolyte membrane is impregnated with 300 to 600 parts by weight of phosphoric acid based on 100 parts by weight of the electrolyte membrane, and has a yield strain 0.5% or less, and a yield stress 0.3 Mpa or less. The cross-linked material has a strong acid trapping ability with respect to the benzoxazine compound and excellent mechanical properties due to a cross-linkage. Also, the solubility of the cross-linked material in polyphosphoric acid is low, thereby showing excellent chemical stability. Accordingly, when the cross-linked material is used, an electrolyte membrane having an excellent liquid supplementing ability and excellent mechanical and chemical stability at a high temperature can be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Myung-jin LEE, Seong-woo CHOI, Hee-young SUN, Woo-sung JEON
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Publication number: 20110192281Abstract: A composition includes a first polymer having monomers each containing an imidazole group, and a second polymer, the first and second polymers being a polymer blend. The first polymer, the second polymer, or both may be cross-linked. The carbonized composition, polymeric and carbon membranes (either in the form of a flat sheet or a hollow fiber) made from the composition are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2009Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: National University of SingaporeInventors: Seyed Saeid Hosseini, Tai-Shung Chung
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Patent number: 7993792Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion—Conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The second polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substitutent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross
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Patent number: 7993793Abstract: By performing photograft polymerization of functional monomers such that grafted chains will be introduced from the surface of a polymer base film into its interior without deteriorating its inherent characteristics and also by creating a multiplex crosslinked structure between the grafted chains and the base film under such conditions as to cause preferential radiation-induced crosslinking reaction, there is produced a polymer electrolyte membrane having high enough oxidation resistance and proton conductivity to be suitable for use in fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Masaru Yoshida, Masaharu Asano, Jinhua Chen, Yasunari Maekawa, Toshimitsu Tachibana, Yozo Nagai, Soji Nishiyama
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Patent number: 7993767Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane to be used in a solid-state polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which can be manufactured by using inexpensive raw materials through a simpler chemical synthesis process, achieves good heat resistance and demonstrates superior proton conductivity at low humidity. A primary constituent of the solid-state electrolyte polymer film to be used in a solid-state polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention is a hyperbranched polymer having an acidic functional group such as sulfonic acid disposed at the terminal of a side chain thereof. The hyperbranched polymer may be, for instance, poly[(bis(oligo-ethylene glycol) benzoate)].Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahito Itoh, Yuichi Aihara
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Publication number: 20110190404Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorocarbon polymer material comprising a backbone with the following unit: wherein: Z is a quaternary ammonium group, Y1 and Y2 are each independently an oxygen heteroatom or a sulphur heteroatom, A is a fluorinated or perfluorinated straight chain having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R1 represents a phenyl or aryl group or a —CR2R3— group, and R4 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a straight or branched, cyclic or acyclic, alkyl or halogenated alkyl group, and a group represented by the following formula: m is an integer comprised between 0 and 10, preferably between 0 and 3; m?, n and r are integers, each independently equal to 0 or 1; and s is equal to 0 or 1, provided that when s is equal to 0, then R4 is different from the hydrogen atom.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicants: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DE CHIMIE DE MONTPELLIERInventors: Audrey MARTINENT, Ali ALAAEDDINE, Bruno AMEDURI, Philippe CAPRON
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Patent number: 7989512Abstract: A method of forming an ionomeric membrane includes a step of reacting a first polymer in chlorosulfonic acid to form a first precipitate. The first precipitate comprising a polymer including a polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl moiety attached thereto and includes a step of dissolving the first precipitate in a polar aprotic solvent to form the first solution. A polymeric membrane is then formed from the first solution such that the membrane includes the polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl. The polymer including a polymer unit a polymer unit having at least one —SO2Cl is then reacted with a nucleophilic compound to form the polymeric membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M MacKinnon, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
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Publication number: 20110184076Abstract: For use in a DMFC, a proton-conducting membrane containing a proton-conducting host polymer and a functionalized fullerene having one or more proton accepting or proton donating functional groups selected from: >C[PO(OH)2]2; —PO(OH)2; —OH; —SO3H; —NH2; —CN; —HOSO3H; —COOH; —OPO(OH)2; and —OSO3 or a combination of two or more of these groups attached to the fullerene.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Fred Wudl, Galen Stucky, Ken Tasaki, Hengbin Wang, Jeffrey V. Gasa, Ryan DeSousa
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Publication number: 20110183231Abstract: A high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), and a Membrane-Electrode Assembly (MEA) and a methanol fuel cell including the same membrane. The high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a DMFC includes a Nafion® high molecular membrane in which hydrophobic silica nanoparticles made of a silane compound having a water repellent functional group are dispersed. Since the high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a DMFC has lower permeability of methanol than a commercially available Nafion® high molecular membrane, the MEA fabricated using the high molecular nanocomposite membrane has little crossover of reaction fuel at the negative electrode. In addition, the methanol fuel electrode fabricated using the MEA that includes the high molecular nanocomposite membrane can decrease fuel loss and voltage loss.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: KUMOH NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATIONInventors: Yong-il Park, Eun Hyung Kim, Sung Bum Park
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Publication number: 20110178190Abstract: Polymers including pendent hydrophobic groups and pendent proton transfer groups are shown to form nanostructured films exhibiting greatly increased proton conductivity compared with films prepared from corresponding polymers lacking hydrophobic groups. The polymers can include repeating units each of which has both a hydrophobic group and a proton transfer group. Alternatively, the polymers can be the product of copolymerizing a first monomer with at least one hydrophobic group and a second monomer with at least one proton transfer group. The polymers are useful for the preparation of fuel cell proton exchange membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Sankaran Thayumanavan, Mark Tuominen, Ryan Hayward
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Patent number: 7981568Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyuk Chang, Hae-kyoung Kim, Hasuck Kim, Jin-Kyu Lee, Sangook Park, Shin Woo Ha
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Publication number: 20110172317Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and relates to sulfonated polyarylene compounds such as can be used for example in ion exchange membranes in fuel cells, as well as a method for the production thereof and the use thereof. The object of the present invention is to disclose hydrolytically and thermally resistant sulfonated polyarylene compounds with a defined degree and position of sulfonation, from which membrane materials with an improved resistance to hydrolysis can be produced. The object is attained through sulfonated polyarylene compounds according to at least one of the general formulas (I)-(IV).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: Leibniz-Institut Fuer Polymerforschung Dresden E.V.Inventors: Dieter Lehmann, Jochen Meier-Haack, Claus Vogel, Wladimir Butwilowski
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Patent number: 7977394Abstract: Triblock copolymers useful for forming ion conductive membranes are provided. The triblock copolymers are characterized by having either a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic or a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer sequence that induces a microphase separated morphology. Variations in which the hydrophilic polymer sequence component includes either acid groups or salts of acid groups are also disclosed. Methods for forming an ion conductive membrane from the triblock copolymers are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
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Patent number: 7977392Abstract: A water insoluble additive for improving the performance of an ion-exchange membrane, such as in the context of the high temperature operation of electrochemical fuel cells. The insoluble additive comprises a metal oxide cross-linked matrix having proton conducting groups covalently attached to the matrix through linkers. In one embodiment, the metal is silicon and the cross-linked matrix is a siloxane cross-linked matrix containing silicon atoms cross-linked by multiple disiloxy bonds and having proton conducting groups covalently attached to the silicon atoms through alkanediyl linkers.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Sean M. MacKinnon, Scott J. McDermid, Lukas M. Bonorand, Timothy J. Peckham, Keping Wang, Jing Li
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Patent number: 7977393Abstract: Provided is a polymer composition containing an oxocarbon and a polymer, further, a polymer composition that the oxocarbon are expressed by formula (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventor: Ken Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7977008Abstract: The present invention relates to a high temperature proton-conducting polymer membrane, a preparation method thereof, a membrane-electrode assembly using the same and a fuel cell containing the same. More particularly, it relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane enabling fuel cell operation under high temperature and normal pressure condition, wherein sulfoalkyl or sulfoaryl groups are introduced between layers of metal phosphate and cation exchange groups are present in side chains, a preparation method thereof and a membrane-electrode assembly using the proton exchange membrane and a fuel cell containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang UniversityInventors: Hee-Woo Rhee, Min-Kyu Song, Young-Taek Kim, Ki-Hyun Kim
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Publication number: 20110166241Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-block copolymer, its producing method and an electrolyte membrane using the same. The multi-block copolymer includes a hydrophobic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 1; and a hydrophilic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 2. The multi-block copolymer is acidified, and can be used to an electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell. The use of the multi-block copolymer as an electrolyte membrane ensures excellent dimensional stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Seong-Ho Choi, Won-Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7973088Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane with excellent proton conductivity in its thickness direction. Preferably, the polymer electrolyte membrane containing a polymer compound comprising an ionic segment having an ionic functional group and a nonionic segment having substantially no ionic functional group, and the phase containing ionic segments as a main component and the phase containing nonionic segments as a main component are phase-separated, and in the surface region thereof, the change in the amount of the ionic segment from the surface toward the interior substantially decreases monotonically.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Junichi Ikeuchi, Mitsunori Nodono, Yasuhiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 7973089Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers having alkaline ionic groups. The process consists in preparing a mixture composed of a thermoplastic polymer having alkaline ionic groups and a plasticizer, in extruding the mixture obtained to form a film; then in washing the film obtained in aqueous medium to remove said plasticizer(s). The plasticizer is chosen from non-volatile compounds which are stable with respect to the ionic groups of the polymer, which are soluble in water or in solvents that are miscible with water, said plasticizers being chosen from the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a weak bond of the hydrogen bond-type, and the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a strong bond, of the ionic bond-type.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignees: Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, Eras-Labo, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Jean-Yves Sanchez, Cristina Iojoiu, Regis Mercier, Manuel Marechal, Nadia El Kissi, Herve Galiano, France Chabert
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Patent number: 7973090Abstract: A process for producing a zeolite membrane comprising a seed crystal forming step of placing, in a pressure-resistant vessel, a seeding sol containing silica, water and a structure-directing agent and a support in a state that the support is immersed in the seeding sol and heating the heat-resistant vessel to form a zeolite seed crystal on the surface of the support, and a membrane formation step of allowing the zeolite seed crystal to grow to form a zeolite membrane on the surface of the support. In the seed crystal forming step, the molar ratio of water/silica in the seeding sol is set 10 to 50 and the heating of the pressure-resistant vessel is conducted at 90 to 130° C. The crystal c-axis of the present zeolite membrane is oriented in a direction vertical to the surface of the support and its thickness is uniform.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Suzuki, Shinji Nakamura, Miyuki Yabuki, Toshihiro Tomita
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Publication number: 20110159402Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a stabilized fluoropolymer which comprises producing the stabilized fluoropolymer by subjecting a treatment target substance containing a sulfonic-acid-derived-group-containing fluoropolymer to a fluorination treatment, wherein the sulfonic-acid-derived-group-containing fluoropolymer is a fluoropolymer containing —SO3M (in which M represents H, NR1R2R3R4 or M11/L; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and each represents H or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and M1 represents an L-valent metal), and the treatment target substance has a moisture content of not higher than 500 ppm by mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicants: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., ASAHI KASEI E-MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji HONDA, Hideki IIJIMA, Yasuhiro HASHIMOTO, Tadashi INO, Tadaharu ISAKA, Masahiro KONDO
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Publication number: 20110160319Abstract: An organic/inorganic hybrid composite proton exchange membrane is provided. The proton exchange membrane includes an inorganic material of about 0.5-30 parts by weight and an organic material of about 99.5-70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the proton exchange membrane. A surface area of the inorganic material is about 50-3000 m2/g. The organic material includes a sulfonated polymer or a phosphoric acid doped polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Li-Duan Tsai, Yong-Hong Liao, Shih-Wen Chen, Jiunn-Nan Lin, Chien-Ming Lai, Chiu-Ping Huang, Sung-Chun Chang
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Publication number: 20110151355Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer, a polymer electrolyte and the use thereof. The polymer has, as a structural unit, a phenylene group in which two or three hydrogen atoms each have been substituted with a group represented by the following formula (A), and is insoluble in water: wherein A1 represents a group represented by formula (1a), formula (1b) or formula (1c) below, and the two or three A1 groups may be the same as or different from each other, wherein R10 and R11 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, R12 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, M represents a metal ion or an ammonium ion, and in a case where M represents a divalent or higher-valent metal ion, M may be further bonded to another substituent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Arihiro Yashiro, Shigeru Sasaki
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Publication number: 20110152388Abstract: A multibranched polymer represented by the following formula (I), and a method for producing the multibranched polymer: where A represents an organic group having 3 or more branched chains, Xa represents a linking group containing any atom of Groups 14 to 16 in the Periodic Table, Y represents a functional group having a structure capable of having an active halogen atom, Q represents an arm moiety having a repeating unit derived from a polymerizable unsaturated bond, m1 represents any integer of 1 to the number of branched chains of A, m2 represents the number of branched chains of A, n1 represents an integer of 0 or 1 or more, and Ra represents an organic group that is not associated with the polymerization reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: NIPPON SODA CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Niitani, Kiyoshi Kawamura, Akihiro Shirai
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Patent number: 7964651Abstract: A proton conducting polymer includes a polymer backbone and a heterocyclic compound attached to the polymer backbone. The heterocyclic compound includes a sulfonyl functionality bonded to heterocyclic compound.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Siwen Li, Zhen Zhou, Yuelan Zhang, Meilin Liu, Wen Li
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Publication number: 20110143260Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure encompass vinyl addition and ROMP polymers having at least one type of repeating unit that encompasses a comprise N+(CH3)3OH? moiety. Other embodiments in accordance with the disclosure include alkali anion-exchange membranes (AAEMs) made from one of such polymers, anion fuel cells (AFCs) that encompass such AAEMs and components of such AFCs, other than the AAEM, that encompass one of such polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Promerus LLCInventors: Andrew Bell, Edmund Elce, Keitaro Seto
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Publication number: 20110143620Abstract: This invention relates to novel chemical resistant, film forming, and moisture vapor permeable ionomers, including specialized polyurethane ionomers, polyurea ionomers, polyamide ionomers, polyester ionomers, or a mixture of the said ionomers, having high content of covalent-bonded ionic groups, total >100 milli-equivalents per 100 gram of ionomers. These specialized ionomers have low noxious chemical crossover rate, high moisture vapor transmission rate, hydrolytically stable in humid environment, and capable of forming thin films.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: HUISHENG WU
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Patent number: 7960046Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer comprising sulfonating a perfluorocyclobutane polymer with a sulfonating agent to form a sulfonated perfluorocyclobutane polymer, wherein the sulfonating agent comprises oleum, SO3 or a combination thereof is provided. A process for preparing proton exchange membranes and fuel cells comprising the proton exchange membrane are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Michael Schoeneweiss
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Publication number: 20110136040Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer, a manufacturing method thereof and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, DONGJIN SEMICHEM CO., LTD.Inventors: Inchul Hwang, Ki Yun Cho, Dong Il Kim, Ju Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20110136041Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer, a manufacturing method thereof and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, DONGJIN SEMICHEM CO., LTD.Inventors: Ju Ho Lee, Dong Il Kim, Nak Hyun Kwon, Inchul Hwang
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Patent number: 7956095Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers having acid ionic groups. The process consists in preparing a mixture composed of a thermoplastic polymer having acid ionic groups and a plasticizer, in extruding the mixture obtained to form a film, then in washing the film obtained in aqueous medium to remove said plasticizer(s). The plasticizer is chosen from non-volatile compounds which are stable with respect to the ionic groups of the polymer, which are soluble in water or in solvents that are miscible with water, said plasticizers being chosen from the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a weak bond of the hydrogen bond-type, and the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a strong bond, of the ionic bond-type.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignees: Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, Eras-Labo, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Jean-Yves Sanchez, Cristina Iojoiu, Yves Piffard, Nadia El Kissi, France Chabert
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Patent number: 7947411Abstract: To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting the diffusibility of reaction gas, the removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, and its manufacturing method. There is provided a membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the volume of fine pores having a diameter of 1.0 ?m or smaller is increased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane from the surface of the catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Morioka, Yasuhiro Haba, Saori Okada, Keiichi Iio
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Patent number: 7947800Abstract: A sulfonated poly(aryl ether) (SPAE) having a poly(aryl ether) (PAE) main chain and a sulfonated phenyl group pendent from the main chain are useful in proton exchange membranes (PEMs), particularly for fuel cells. The pendent phenyl group can provide an easily sulfonable site that may be sulfonated under mild conditions, providing the ability to precisely control the sulfonic acid content of the SPAE.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Baijun Liu, Michael D. Guiver, Gilles P. Robertson
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Patent number: 7943249Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is prepared from a liquid composition comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of trivalent cerium, tetravalent cerium, bivalent manganese and trivalent manganese; and a polymer with a cation-exchange group. The liquid composition is preferably one containing water, a carbonate of cerium or manganese, and a polymer with a cation-exchange group, and a cast film thereof is used as an electrolyte membrane to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly. The present invention successfully provides a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells being capable of generating the electric power in high energy efficiency, having high power generation performance regardless of the dew point of the feed gas, and being capable of stably generating the electric power over a long period of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Hisao Kawazoe, Eiji Endoh, Hideki Nakagawa, Shinji Terazono
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Patent number: 7939216Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane includes a cross-linking reaction product between a hydrophilic polymer and a cross-linking agent represented by Formula 1 below wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C6-C20 aryl group, or substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20 heteroaryl group; and n is an integer in the range of 1 to 5. The polymer electrolyte membrane may be prepared by preparing a composition for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane including the hydrophilic polymer, the cross-linking agent represented by Formula 1 and a solvent, applying the composition for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane to a supporting substrate; and heat treating the composition for forming the polymer electrolyte membrane to form the polymer electrolyte membrane. A fuel cell or other device includes the polymer electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane has low solubility to a strong acid and excellent ionic conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung-kun Cho, Doo-yeon Lee
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Patent number: 7938941Abstract: A cation-exchange membrane for electrolysis which comprises a fluoropolymer having ion-exchange groups and a porous base. It is characterized by having, on the anode-side surface of the membrane, protrusions comprising a polymer having ion-exchange groups. It is further characterized in that: when the average value of the heights of the tops of the protrusions from the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as h (?m), then 20?h?150; when the density of the protrusions distributed is expressed as P (protrusions per cm2), then 50?P?1,200; when the average proportion of the areas of those bottom parts of the protrusions which are on the same level as the anode-side surface of the membrane to the area of the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as S (cm2/cm2), then 0.001?S?0.6; and when the average proportion of the areas of the top parts of the protrusions to the area of the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as T (cm2/cm2), then T?0.05.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Akio Kashiwada, Toshinori Hirano, Hiroshi Nakayama
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Publication number: 20110105631Abstract: A hydrophilic polymeric ionomer obtainable by reacting, in a solvent, components comprising a polymer and an ionic component selected from a strong acid or a strong base. The present invention also comprises methods of forming such membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Shaun Wright
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Patent number: 7935735Abstract: A composition of matter is formed from a graftable polymer, having graftable sites onto which sidechains have been grafted. The sidechains include at least one silane group, and may be formed by polymerization of a polymerizable group of a silane precursor. These compositions may further include acid groups, and may be used, for example, in improved proton conducting materials in fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Siwen Li, Meilin Liu, Qunhui Sun, Wen Li
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Publication number: 20110098371Abstract: Disclosed are sulfonated polymers of formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein X is (a) or (b), R is hydrogen or an organic moiety, n is an integer from 10 to 10,000, p is 1 or 2, and m is 0 or 1 for a particular monomer unit such that the polymer has a degree of sulfonation of 0.50 or greater. Such polymers are useful in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) having high ion exchange capacity with higher proton conductivity than Nafion™, while having lower methanol permeability and lower water uptake than previously disclosed polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADAInventors: Dae Sik Kim, Michael D. Guiver
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Publication number: 20110097645Abstract: Membranes and processes for preparing membranes having weakly acidic or weakly basic groups comprising the steps of: (i) applying a curable composition to a support; (ii) curing the composition for less than 30 seconds to form a membrane; and (iii) optionally removing the membrane from the support; wherein the curable composition comprises a crosslinking agent having at least two acrylic groups. The membranes are particularly useful for producing electricity by reverse electrodialysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: FUJIFILM MANUFACTURING EUROPE B.VInventors: Willem Johannes Van Baak, Johannes Adrianus Wilhelmus Van Engelen, Dana Manuela Sterescu
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Publication number: 20110098369Abstract: A method for preparing a nanocomposite ion exchange hydrogel and a nanocomposite ion exchange hydrogel are disclosed. A monomer is graft polymerized onto a carbohydrate to form a carbohydrate graft copolymer. Before, during, or after graft polymerizing, an adsorbent is modified with a cationic surfactant to form a surfactant modified adsorbent. Next, the surfactant modified adsorbent is dispersed and entrapped in the carbohydrate graft copolymer and crosslinked to form a crosslinked carbohydrate graft copolymer. The crosslinked carbohydrate graft copolymer is then isolated. In some embodiments, the pH of the crosslinked carbohydrate graft copolymer can be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Abolfazl Barati
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Publication number: 20110098370Abstract: The present invention provides polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) based upon sulfonated poly 2-(phenyl ethyl)siloxane (SPPES) prepared in a one-pot procedure. This includes the SPPES homopolymer as well as random copolymer of SPPES with various non-sulfonated polysiloxanes. Copolymerization with poly 2-(phenyl ethyl)siloxane greatly improves the mechanical stability of the film compared to a SPPES homopolymer. Proton conductivity of the copolymer, though it is less than that of the homopolymer and Nafion, is comparable to other PEMs in the literature. Both SPPES based membranes show good water retention at temperature greater than 100° C., which indicates they may be suitable for use in high temperature PEM fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: University of Ontario Institute of TechnologyInventors: E. Bradley Easton, Amanda Northcotf
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Patent number: 7932299Abstract: Solid acid/surface-hydrogen-containing secondary component electrolyte composites, methods of synthesizing such materials, electrochemical device incorporating such materials, and uses of such materials in fuel cells, membrane reactors and hydrogen separations are provided. The stable electrolyte composite material comprises a solid acid component capable of undergoing rotational disorder of oxyanion groups and capable of extended operation at a wide temperature range and a secondary compound with surface hydrogen atoms, which when intimately mixed, results in a composite material with improved conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties, when compared to pure solid acid compound.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Calum Chisholm, Sossina M. Haile