Membrane Or Process Of Preparing Patents (Class 521/27)
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Publication number: 20100297523Abstract: A liquid composition comprising: at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-1)], the fluoroionomer (I-1) having a heat of fusion comprised between 4 and 20 J/g; and at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-2)], the fluoroionomer (I-2) being substantially amorphous, that is to say having a heat of fusion of less than 4 J/g, and wherein the water extractable fraction of the fluoroionomer (I-2) is less than 40% wt, the liquid composition comprising the fluoroionomer (I-1) and the fluoroionomer (I-2) in a weight ratio (I-1)/(I-2) of at least 2:1.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: SOLVAY SOLEXIS S.P.A.Inventors: Luca Merlo, Alessandro Ghielmi
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Publication number: 20100298452Abstract: The present invention relates a new proton-conducting polymer with a two dimensional backbone with metal-oxygen bonding. The metal ion in the backbone of the proton-conducting polymer of the present invention comprises elements from Group IIIA, IVA, VA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, lanthanides, etc in the Chemical Periodic Table. It is more preferred for the metal ion of the proton-conducting polymer of the present invention to be silicon, aluminum, boron, gallium, indium, tin, antimony, bismuth, titanium, or zirconium. It is further preferred that the backbone of the proton-conducting polymer of the present invention comprises silicon, aluminum, boron, zirconium, or titanium. It is further preferred that the proton-conduction polymer of the present invention comprises silicon in its two dimensional backbone. The backbone of the proton-conducting polymer of the present invention is chemically stable to attacks from the hydroxyl free radicals in the fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Wen-Qing Xu, David Beijia Xu
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Patent number: 7838167Abstract: To provide an electrolyte polymer for fuel cells, an electrolyte membrane, a membrane/electrode assembly for fuel cells excellent in the durability. An electrolyte polymer for fuel cells made of a perfluorocarbon polymer having ion exchange groups (which may contain etheric oxygen atoms), characterized in that the value calculated by dividing an absorption area SCH derived mainly from a C—H bond in the range of from 3,100 cm?1 to 2,800 cm?1 by an absorption area SCF derived mainly from a C—F bond in the range of from 2,700 cm?1 to 2,000 cm?1, as measured by means of infrared spectrophotometry, is less than 0.005, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane/electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Satoru Hommura, Tetsuji Shimohira
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Patent number: 7838138Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
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Publication number: 20100292351Abstract: Described herein is a process to prepare crosslinkable polymers based on trifluorostyrene, and their use as polymer electrolyte membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: E.I Du Pont De Nemours and CompanyInventors: Mark Gerrit Roelofs, Mark F. Teasley
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Patent number: 7834131Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric polymer film, in particular based on polazoles, a method for the production of the same and its use. The polyazole-based asymmetric polymer film according to the invention has a smooth and a rough side and enables, on account of its asymmetric structure, rapid and homogeneous doping with acids to form a proton-conducting membrane. The polyazole-based asymmetric polymer film according to the invention can be used in diverse ways on account of its excellent chemical, thermal and mechanical properties and is particularly suitable for the production of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) for so-called PEM fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbHInventors: Joachim Petersen, Jochen Baurmeister, Oemer Uensal, Frauke Jordt, Joachim Kiefer
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Patent number: 7833644Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an electrolytic membrane excellent in ion conductivity and oxidation resistance, and this invention is directed to an electrolytic membrane formed of a polymer comprising at least one recurring unit selected from the group consisting of a recurring unit of the following formula (A), and a recurring unit of the following formula (B), and having a reduced viscosity, measured in a methanesulfonic acid solution having a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C., of 0.05 to 200 dl/g, and a process for the production thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Teijin LimitedInventors: Masayuki Chokai, Hiroaki Kuwahara, Bunsow Nagasaka
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Patent number: 7833643Abstract: A neutral protic salt electrolyte and a protic-salt imbibed polymer electrolyte membrane exhibiting high ionic conductivity and thermal stability at temperatures greater than 100° C. without requiring additional humidification systems or hydrating water is disclosed. The protic salt is the neutral product of acids and bases for which the proton transfer energy lies in the range from 0.5 to 1.5 eV. A polymer electrolyte membrane having the general formula: wherein A is a repeating unit in the main chain, B is a crosslinker chain, C is an end group, YZ is a neutralized couple at chain end, IL is an ionic liquid, and NP is a nanoparticle which absorbs the protic liquid yielding membranes that combine high mechanical strength with high conductivity. The present polymer electrolyte membrane is useful in high temperature fuel cells for automotive, industrial, and mobile communication applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Charles Austen Angell, Xiao-Guang Sun, Jean-Philippe Belieres, Dominic Francis Gervasio
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Patent number: 7829603Abstract: A fluorinated ion exchange polymer prepared by grafting at least one grafting monomer on to at least one base polymer, wherein the grafting monomer comprises structure 1a or 1b: wherein Z comprises S, SO2, or POR wherein R comprises a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group of 1 to 14 carbon atoms optionally containing oxygen or chlorine, an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group of 6 to 12 carbon atoms or a substituted aryl group of 6 to 12 carbon atoms; RF comprises a linear or branched perfluoroalkene group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally containing oxygen or chlorine; Q is chosen from F, —OM, NH2, —N(M)SO2R2F, and C(M)(SO2R2F)2, wherein M comprises H, an alkali cation, or ammonium; R2F groups comprises alkyl of 1 to 14 carbon atoms which may optionally include ether oxygens or aryl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms where the alkyl or aryl groups may be perfluorinated or partially fluorinated; and n is 1 or 2 for 1a, and n is 1, 2, or 3 for 1b.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Zhen-Yu Yang, Mark Gerrit Roelofs
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Patent number: 7829620Abstract: A suite of polymer/zeolite nanocomposite membranes. The polymer backbone is preferably a film forming fluorinated sulfonic acid containing copolymer, such as a Teflon type polymer, a perfluorinated polymer, or a perfluorinated polymer with sulfonic groups. The zeolites formed in accordance with the present invention and which are used in the membranes are plain, phenethyl functionalized and acid functionalized zeolite FAU(Y) and BEA nanocrystals. The zeolite nanocrystals are incorporated into polymer matrices for membrane separation applications like gas separations, and in polymer-exchange-membrane fuel cells. For the purpose of developing zeolite-polymer nanocomposite membranes, the zeolite nanocrystals are size-adjustable to match the polymer-network dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Yushan Yan, Brett Holmberg, Xin Wang
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Patent number: 7829218Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a proton conductive electrolyte suitable for a fuel cell material and a fuel cell including the proton conductive electrolyte. More particularly, aspects of the present invention provide a proton conductive electrolyte that has good proton conductivity and can be used to form a membrane having good flexibility. As a result, the proton conductive electrolyte can be used in a fuel cell, the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell or the electrodes thereof, and can provide a solid polymer fuel cell having high current density, high power and long life-time in a dry environment (relative humidity of 50% or less) at an operating temperature of 100 to 200° C.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., LtdInventors: Hiroko Endo, Hiroyuki Nishide, Atsuo Sonai, Takahiro Tago
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Publication number: 20100279201Abstract: A cell of a fuel cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and between the cathode and the anode, a layer of ceramic including activated boron nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
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Publication number: 20100280138Abstract: A method of activating boron nitride comprises exposing the boron nitride to a fluid enabling —OH hydroxyl radicals and/or H3O+ to be delivered and creating B—OH bonds and/or NH2 bonds in the boron nitride, and eliminating the fluid and recovering the activated boron nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
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Patent number: 7824820Abstract: An electrolyte membrane having a porous base material having pores filled with a first polymer capable of conducting a proton, wherein the porous base material comprises i) at least one second polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and ii) a third polymer having double bond in the polymer, and contains a crosslinked second polymer wherein molecules of the second polymer are crosslinked with one another; and a fuel cell, particularly a solid polymer fuel cell, more specifically a direct methanol polymer fuel cell, using the electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is excellent in the inhibition of permeation of methanol, exhibits no or reduced change in its area, and is excellent in proton conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Takeo Yamaguchi, Kazushige Yamamoto, Shin-ichi Nakao
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Publication number: 20100270234Abstract: This invention discloses a composition of, a method of making, and an application of high plasticization-resistant chemically cross-linked organic-inorganic hybrid membranes such as cross-linked cellulose acetate-cellulose triacetate-polyurethanepropylsilsesquioxane membranes. These cross-linked membranes with covalently interpolymer-chain-connected hybrid networks were prepared via a sol-gel condensation polymerization of cross-linkable organic polymer-organosilicon alkoxide precursor membrane materials. CO2 plasticization tests on these cross-linked membranes demonstrate extremely high CO2 plasticization resistance under CO2 pressure up to 5516 kPa (800 psig). These new cross-linked membranes can be used not only for gas separations such as CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separations, O2/N2 separation, olefin/paraffin separations (e.g. propylene/propane separation), iso/normal paraffins separations, but also for liquid separations such as desalination.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Stephen T. Wilson, Jeffrey J. Chiou, David A. Lesch, Santi Kulprathipanja
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Patent number: 7820314Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole block polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode units or so-called PEM fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell Research GmbHInventors: Gordon Calundann, Oemer Uensal, Brian Benicewicz, Eugene Scanlon
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Publication number: 20100264375Abstract: A co-assembly method includes, in an aqueous polyelectrolyte composition comprising: (a) a first polyelectrolyte dispersed in the composition and having a net electric charge of a first polarity, (b)a second polyelectrolyte dispersed in the composition and having a net electric charge of a second polarity, wherein the second polarity is opposite the first polarity, and (c)an electrolyte dissolved in the composition in a concentration effective to prevent co-assembly of the polyelectrolytes, the step of allowing co-assembly of the polyelectrolytes by: (1) decreasing the concentration of the electrolyte, or (2) forming an interface between the aqueous polyelectrolyte composition and a surface of a solid substrate or of a second liquid phase, wherein the surface has an affinity for at least one of the polyelectrolytes, or (3) decreasing the concentration of the electrolyte and forming such an interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: RHODIA INC.Inventors: Jerome Fresnais, Jean-Francois Berret, Ling Qi, Jean-Paul Chapel, Jean-Christophe Castaing
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Patent number: 7816416Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a method for manufacturing the polymer electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a proton-conductive polymer membrane including a polymer micelle inside a hydrophilic channel. Herein, the micelle includes a vinyl-based polymer obtained from polymerization of a vinyl-based monomer and an anionic surfactant surrounding the vinyl-based polymer.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Il Han, In-Hyuk Son, Chan-Gyun Shin, Chang-Bong Lee
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Publication number: 20100261091Abstract: Polysulfone based polymer comprising a repeat unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 is provided: wherein, X, M1, M2, a, b, c, d, e, f, R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are as defined in the detailed description.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Ju Ho Lee, Dong II Kim, Jang-Bae Son, Hyung-Su Park, Inchul Hwang, Ki Yun Cho
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Publication number: 20100261801Abstract: The present disclosure describes functional membranes and a method for making a functional membrane. The method includes providing a porous substrate, applying the at least one graftable species to the porous substrate, and treating the coated porous substrate with electron beam radiation to provide a functionalized membrane. The method includes forming a functionalized membrane comprising a gradient of grafted species attached to the porous substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Douglas E. Weiss, Clinton P. Wailer, JR., Derek J. Dehn, Jonathan Hester
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Patent number: 7811694Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a direct oxidation fuel cell includes a porous polymer supporter having a plurality of pores, and a hydrocarbon fuel diffusion barrier layer which is formed on the polymer supporter and contains an inorganic additive dispersed in a cation exchange resin.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-Kyu Song, You-Mee Kim, Ho-Jin Kweon, Hee-Woo Rhee
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Patent number: 7811693Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprises a hybrid inorganic-organic polymer that includes implanted metal cations. Acid groups are bound to the hybrid inorganic-organic polymer through an interaction with the implanted metal cations. An example process for manufacturing a proton exchange membrane includes sol-gel polymerization of silane precursors in a medium containing the metal cations, followed by exposure of the metal-implanted hybrid inorganic-organic polymer to an acid compound.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manfacturing North America, Inc., Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Wen Li, Siwen Li, Meilin Liu
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Patent number: 7807726Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovery of a fluorinated anionic surfactant from a basic anion exchange resin having quaternary ammonium groups, the method comprising eluting the anion exchange resin with a composition comprising an ammonium salt and a water miscible organic solvent. The method according to the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, the method can be designed to allow for recovery of substantially all of the fluorinated surfactant from a basic anion exchange resin having quaternary ammonium groups. Also, the liquid used for recovering the surfactant from the anion exchange resin is a simple liquid that can be readily and cost effectively manufactured. Further the process may be carried out in a convenient and easy manner. Furthermore, the method generally does not require large amounts of the eluting composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andreas Maurer, Klaus Hintzer, Werner Schwertfeger, Egon Obermaier, Astrid Weber
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Patent number: 7807759Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer and an electrolyte membrane using the same, more precisely, a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer composed of the repeating unit represented by formula 1 and a preparation method thereof, a hydrogenated branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer, a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell to which the branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer electrolyte membrane is applied. The electrolyte membrane of the present invention has high proton conductivity and excellent mechanical properties as well as chemical stability, so it can be effectively used for the production of thin film without the decrease of membrane properties according to the increase of sulfonic acid group since it enables the regulation of the distribution, the location and the number of sulfonic acid group in polymer backbone.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Chong-kyu Shin, Young-ji Tae, Jae-hyuk Chang, Bong-keun Lee, Chang-ae Cho, Sang-hyun Lee, Hwang-chan Yoo, Go-young Moon
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Patent number: 7803846Abstract: The objective of the invention is to solve the problems of conventional polymer electrolyte membranes, including small ion-exchange capacity and low oxidation and methanol resistance. A polymer film substrate is irradiated with ?-rays, electron beams or other radiations to perform multi-graft polymerization with functional monomers and then the polymer film substrate containing the grafted molecular chains or the graft molecular chains into which sulfonic acid groups have been introduced is crosslinked by irradiation to produce a polymer electrolyte membrane that has outstanding oxidation resistance, dimensional stability, electrical conductivity and methanol resistance and which can be controlled in ion-exchange capacity over a wide range.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Masaru Yoshida, Masaharu Asano, Tetsuya Yamaki, Soji Nishiyama, Toshimitsu Tachibana, Yozo Nagai
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Patent number: 7803847Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising bound anionic functional groups and polyvalent cations, such as Mn or Ru cations, which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, Phat T. Pham
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Publication number: 20100239944Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, which is characterized by: irradiating a fluorine-containing resin or a hydrocarbon resin with a radioactive ray to co-graft-polymerize both of a radical-polymerizable monomer having an ion-exchangeable functional group or capable of introducing an ion-exchangeable functional group and a radical-polymerizable monomer having a hydroxysilyl group or an alkoxysilyl group to the resin; introducing the ion-exchangeable functional group when a radical-polymerizable monomer capable of introducing the ion-exchangeable functional group is used; and impregnating the resin with a monomer having a hydroxysilyl group or an alkoxysilyl group and containing a phosphorus atom. By using the electrolyte membrane, it becomes possible to produce a fuel cell having extremely high performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuhito Takahashi
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Publication number: 20100239947Abstract: The polymer electrolyte of the present invention comprises a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1) in weight fraction of 1 to 30% by weight: (in the formula, A-ring and B-ring each independently represent an optionally-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an optionally-substituted heterocyclic ring; X1 and X2 each independently represent —CO—, —SO— or —SO2—; n and m each independently represent 0, 1 or 2, and n+m is not less than 1; when n is 2, two X1s may be the same as or different from each other; when m is 2, two X2s may be the same as or different from each other; and X represents a direct bond or a divalent group). The polymer electrolyte has excellent water resistance while having high ion-conductivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Takashi Yamada, Shigeru Sasaki
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Patent number: 7799468Abstract: An electrolyte material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is made of a polymer containing repeating units based on a fluoromonomer having a radical polymerization reactivity, wherein the repeating units contain a 5-membered ring (which may contain 1 or 2 oxygen atoms), of which at least one carbon atom is contained in the main chain of the polymer, and an ionic group such as a sulfonic acid group which is bonded to the 5-membered ring directly or via a perfluoroalkylene group having a linear or branched structure; and the polymer has a softening temperature of at least 120° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Atsushi Watakabe, Satoru Hommura, Seigo Kotera, Susumu Saito, Koichi Murata, Masanori Sawaguchi, Taiki Hoshino, Junichi Tayanagi, Eiji Endoh
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Patent number: 7799452Abstract: An object is to provide a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which has high durability, as well as a membrane electrode assembly and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, each containing the same. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is produced using polymer electrolyte-containing solution preparation step of dissolving a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin (component A) having an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a polyazole-based compound (component B) and an alkali metal hydroxide in a protic solvent to prepare a polymer electrolyte-containing solution in which a weight ratio of the component A to component B, (A/B), is from 2.3 to 199 and a total weight of the component A and the component B is from 0.5 to 30% by weight. In a membrane formation step, a membrane is formed from the polymer electrolyte-containing solution.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Yanagita, Kohei Kita, Naoki Sakamoto, Takehiro Koga
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Patent number: 7790837Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Patent number: 7790314Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is described. The materials for the membrane electrode assembly are formed from sulfonated polymers. A polymer dispersion ink containing the sulfonated polymer and a mixture of solvents is used to form the electrodes on the exchange membrane. The dispersion ink allows for the electrodes to be formed directly on the exchange membrane without significantly dissolving the exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner
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Patent number: 7785751Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte membrane which enables a fuel cell to have a high maximum output when used therein since it has high proton conductivity and high hydrogen gas impermeability. Also disclosed are a method for producing such an electrolyte membrane, and a solid polymer fuel cell using such an electrolyte membrane. A method for producing an electrolyte membrane including a step for impregnating a porous base with a solution containing a sulfonic acid group-containing vinyl monomer and then polymerizing the monomer is characterized in that 80% by mole or more of vinyl sulfonic acid having purity of 90% or more, and/or a salt thereof is contained as the sulfonic acid group-containing vinyl monomer, and the concentration of the vinyl sulfonic acid and/or a salt thereof in the solution is set at 35% by weight or more.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Kazushige Yamamoto, Hideyuki Emori, Masao Abe, Kinkou Sho
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Publication number: 20100216899Abstract: A polymeric membrane includes an active layer on a support. The active layer includes a polymer with a backbone, and the backbone has attached thereto at least one fluoroalcohol moiety.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicants: Central Glass Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert David Allen, Na Young-Hye, Ratnam Sooriyakumaran, Masaki Fujiwara, Kazuhiro Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20100216901Abstract: A method of producing an electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell, including: performing radiation-induced graft polymerization of a vinyl monomer having a nucleophilic functional group selected from an acylvinyl ether derivative, a styrene derivative, and a methacrylic acid derivative, with a polymer substrate having a fluorine-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, or an aromatic polymer; deprotecting an ester bond of a graft chain on the polymer substrate introduced by the radiation-induced graft polymerization; and introducing an alkylethersulfonic acid structure into the nucleophilic functional group of the graft chain thus deprotected, by use of an electrophilic reagent selected from cyclic sulfonic acid ester and alkylhalide sulfonate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicants: JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, KANAGAWA UNIVERSITYInventors: Yasunari Maekawa, Kazuyuki Enomoto, Nobuhiro Kihara
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Publication number: 20100216900Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers prepared through the Diels-Alder reaction with benzoxazine groups in their main chains. Moreover, polymers with high molecular weight could be successfully prepared via this method. Furthermore, the mentioned polymers are able to undergo crosslinking reaction by heat treatment. Heat energy causes the ring-opening reaction of benzoxazine in polymer main chains to undergo crosslinking reaction, and cross-linked polymers are thereby formed with great flexibility and high crosslinking degree.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Ying-Ling Liu, Ching-I Chou
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Patent number: 7781085Abstract: A novel polymer electrolyte is provided that enables a solid polymer electrolyte used in fuel cells, for example, to have sufficient proton conductivity even in a low-water-content state or a zero-water-content state by using a monomer compound represented by the general formula (1), and a graft copolymer compound in which the monomer compound represented by the general formula (1) is graft-copolymerized to the main chain of a fluorine-containing hydrocarbon polymer. Tf indicates a trifluoromethane sulfonyl group (—SO2CF3).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichiro Sugiyama
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Publication number: 20100210742Abstract: Provided is a microphase-separated structure membrane including a block copolymer in which a hydrophilic polymer component and a hydrophobic polymer component are coupled to each other via a structural unit having a reactive group, an electron acceptor or electron donor, or a dye. In the microphase-separated structure membrane, a cylinder structure composed of the hydrophilic polymer component lies in a matrix composed of the hydrophobic polymer component and is oriented in the direction perpendicular to the membrane surface, and the structural unit having a reactive group, an electron acceptor or electron donor, or a dye lies between the matrix and the cylinder structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicants: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomokazu Iyoda, Sadayuki Asaoka, Yukimitsu Suzuki, Haruyuki Nakanishi, Shinichi Matsumoto, Hidekazu Arikawa
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Publication number: 20100209813Abstract: A polymer electrolyte for a fuel cell is provided at low cost which has excellent mechanical characteristics, resistance to oxidation and high ion conductivity, and which hardly swells. The polymer electrolyte includes a block copolymer containing a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment. The hydrophilic segment contains a structural unit represented by the following chemical formula (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Atsuhiko ONUMA, Makoto Morishima, Naoki Asano
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Patent number: 7776137Abstract: A polyimide MMC membrane useful for the production of oxygen-enriched air or nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons or nitrogen, and the separation of helium or hydrogen from various streams. Membranes of polyimide polymers, such as polyimide polymers sold under the tradename P-84, are mixed with molecular sieve materials, such as SSZ-13, to make MMC membranes. The MMC membranes of the invention provide improved membrane performance compared to polymer only membranes, particularly when used to form asymmetric film membranes or hollow fiber membranes. The MMC films exhibit consistent permeation performance as dense film or asymmetric membranes, and do not interact with components of the process streams, such as organic solvents. The membranes of the invention exhibit particularly surprisingly good selectivity for the fluids of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Sudhir S. Kulkarni, David J. Hasse
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Publication number: 20100203400Abstract: A passive humidifier membrane includes polyolefin with a plurality of pores, wherein the average pore size of the plurality of pores is 0.05 ?m to 0.4 ?m as established by a PMI Capillary Flow Porometer. The humidifier membrane is virtually airtight while providing a high transfer rate of water. Transfer of heat is also high. The humidifier membrane is particularly suitable for heat exchange and water transfer between fluids and, it is particularly useful for applications inside or outside fuel cells such as PEMFC. The membrane is also particularly useful in the application as humidifier for air or oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Lydall Solutech B.V.Inventors: Gijsbertus Hendrikus Maria Calis, Adriaan Steenbakkers, Paul Osenar, Rich Formato, Paul Sabin, Seth Avis
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Publication number: 20100203422Abstract: A proton selective membrane for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells that is produced by providing one or more template molecules, providing one or more functional monomers to interact with the template molecules, providing a cross-linking agent(s) to covalently bond polymer chains created with the template molecules and functional monomers by polymerization, providing an initiating agent to start a chemical reaction which results in an imprinted polymer, and removing the template molecules from the imprinted polymer to create a proton selective membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Yanxiu Zhou
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Patent number: 7771857Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane includes a membrane polymer made of monomer units that have aromatic polyarylenes groups with proton-conducting functional groups bound to the aromatic polyarylene groups. The polymer electrolyte membrane can be used as a proton-conducting polymer membrane between the electrodes in a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbHInventors: Detlev Fritsch, Serge Vetter, Suzana Nunes, Luis Sansores, Mikhail Zolotukhin
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Publication number: 20100197816Abstract: The invention relates to polyelectrolytes having backbone aromatic groups, and in particular to aromatic backbone group polyelectrolytes having high levels of sulfonation as well as cross-linking functionality. Preferably the polyelectrolyte back-bone is free of linear alkyl groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Arkema Inc.Inventors: James T. Goldbach, James E. Copenhafer, David A. Mountz, Scott Gaboury
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Patent number: 7765698Abstract: A method of making an electret article, from a polymeric article that has a zeta potential of greater than or less than ?7.5 millivolts. The article is charged by contacting it with an aqueous liquid that has a pH and conductivity as follows: (i) if the article has a zeta potential of ?7.5 mV or less, then the contacting liquid has pH greater than 7 and a conductivity of 5 to 9,000 microSiemens per centimeter; and (ii) if the article has a zeta potential of greater than ?7.5 mV, then the contacting liquid has a pH of 7 or less and a conductivity of 5 to 5,500 microSiemens per centimeter. An electret article made in this manner can provide improved electret performance, particularly in electret filtration articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John M. Sebastian, Marvin E. Jones, Fuming B. Li, Shih-Hung Chou, Nathan E. Schultz, Justin L. Keough, Rahul R. Shah, Daniel A. Japuntich
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Publication number: 20100190875Abstract: An aromatic polymer film substrate, or a grafted aromatic polymer film substrate having a monomer introduced therein as graft chains is irradiated with ionizing radiation to impart a crosslinked structure. The aromatic polymer film substrate or the grafted aromatic polymer film substrate, provided with the crosslinked structure, is directly sulfonated to obtain a crosslinked aromatic polymer electrolyte membrane. The crosslinked aromatic polymer electrolyte membrane has low water uptake, high proton conductivity, low methanol permeability, high chemical stability, and excellent mechanical characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCYInventors: Jinhua Chen, Yasunari Maekawa, Masaharu Asano, Masaru Yoshida
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Patent number: 7759453Abstract: A multiblock copolymer includes a polysulfone repeating unit, a sulfonated polysulfone repeating unit and an ethylenic unsaturated group at a terminal of the multiblock copolymer. Also provided are a method of preparing the multiblock copolymer, a polymer electrolyte membrane prepared from the multiblock copolymer, a method of preparing the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane that has a high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties and minimizes crossover of methanol can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the structure of the multiblock copolymer can be varied to increase selectivity to a solvent used in a polymer electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hae-kyoung Kim, Won-mok Lee, Jin-chul Jung, Hyuk Chang, Sam-dae Park, Yoon-ju Chang
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Patent number: 7758986Abstract: A proton conductor includes a molecule with a hydroxy group arranged at a terminal end and an ether-based functional group arranged at an ?-carbon position. The proton conductor may be used to impregnate a polymer matrix to form a polymer electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee-young Sun, Myung-dong Cho, Myung-jin Lee
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Publication number: 20100178545Abstract: Provided are separators used in power accumulators such as lithium ion secondary batteries and a preparation method thereof. The said separators are obtained through following steps: providing a polymer colloidal emulsion through a polymerization reaction of polyvinyl alcohol, hydrophobic monomer and hydrophilic monomer in water solution initiated by an initiator; coating a plastic substrate with the said polymer colloidal emulsion using tape-casting method; drying the plastic substrate coated with the polymer colloidal emulsion, and then obtaining the said separators by delaminating them from the substrate. The said separators have good liquid absorbability, high liquid absorption rate and retention, low resistivity, good mechanical strength and good thermal stability (little thermal shrinkage and little size distortion) as well as electrochemical stability. The prepared lithium ion batteries have good cycle stability and long service life.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: CHANGZHOU ZHONGKE LAIFANG POWER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhonglai Pan, Zhenghua Deng, Rengui Li, Lu Wang, Jiamin Deng, Hongchang Du, Jiandong Gao, Jishuan Suo
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Patent number: 7754844Abstract: A polyarylene ether-based compound according to the present invention includes polymer components represented in general formula (1) and general formula (2): wherein Ar indicates a divalent aromatic group, Y indicates a sulfone group or a ketone group, X indicates H or a monovalent cation species, and Ar? indicates a divalent aromatic group.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshimitsu Sakaguchi, Kota Kitamura, Shigenori Nagahara, Masahiro Yamashita, Junko Nakao