Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane including: a host polymer having a fluoropolymer molecular chain having a segment of the formula —CF2—CF(M)CH2—CF2—, wherein M is at least one selected from —CF3—, —CF2H—, —CFH2— and a combination thereof, the segment being defluorinated or dehydrofluorinated and chemically crosslinked by a low molecular weight basic compound having at least two amino groups; and a proton conductive polymer having a polymer chain being a co-polymerization product of a low molecular weight polymerizable proton conductor monomer including an acidic group having a dissociable proton and at least one polymerizable functional group, with a crosslinking agent; wherein the molecular chains of the host polymer and the proton conductive polymer form an interpenetrating polymer network.

Abstract: Graft copolymers of hydrophobic polymers and hydrophilic polymers, a method for their preparation, and their use in membranes for medical treatments such as hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration, in membranes for water purification, and in membranes for bioprocessing.

Abstract: An aromatic copolymer comprises a hydrophilic segment (A) and a hydrophobic segment (B), wherein the hydrophilic segment (A) comprises a structural unit (1) having a proton conductive group, and the hydrophobic segment (B) comprises at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of a structural unit (2) and a structural unit (3), wherein the structural unit (2) is a divalent structural unit having an aromatic ring and no proton conductive groups and having two bonding sites at the para-position of one ring included in the aromatic ring, and the structural unit (3) is a divalent structural unit having a benzene ring and is a structural unit different from the structural unit (2), the hydrophobic segment (B) in its entirety contained in the aromatic copolymer including both the structural unit (2) and the structural unit (3).

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane (PEM) with an ion exchange capacity of not less than 1 molar equivalent per kilogram and less than 20% water swelling is provided. The PEM includes a polymer having a polyphosphazene backbone with a polyaromatic functional group linked to the polyphosphazene as a polyaromatic side chain, a non-polyaromatic functional group linked to the polyphosphazene as a non-polyaromatic side chain, and an acidic functional group linked to the non-polyaromatic side chain. The polyaromatic functional group linked to the polyphosphazene provides for increased thermal and chemical stability, excellent ionic conductivities and low water swelling. The mole fraction of polyaromatic functional groups linked to the polyphosphazene backbone is between 0.05 and 0.60.

Abstract: Ionomers and ionomer membranes, consisting of a non-fluorinated or partly fluorinated non-, partly or fully-aromatic main chain and a non- or partly-fluorinated side chain with ionic groups or their non-ionic precursors, have a positive impact on the proton conductivity of the ionomers. Various processes produce these polymeric proton conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a crosslinked hollow fiber membrane. The method involves spinning a one phase solution comprising a monoesterified polyimide polymer, acetone as a volatile solvent, a spinning solvent, a spinning non-solvent, and optionally an organic and/or inorganic additive, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount of greater than 25 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the solution.

Abstract: A hyper-branched polymer having a degree of branching in the range of about 0.05 to about 1 includes a dendritic unit, a linear unit, and a terminal unit, wherein the hyper-branched polymer, an electrode for a fuel cell including the hyper-branched polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the hyper-branched polymer, and a fuel cell including at least one of the electrode and the electrolyte membrane. Such a hyper-branched polymer included in a fuel cell provides excellent thermal resistance and phosphoric acid resistance and increase the performance of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided an anion exchange membrane comprising, as a main element, a block copolymer having a vinyl alcohol polymer block and a cationic-group containing polymer block as components and which is subjected to a crosslinking treatment. An anion exchange membrane is produced by heating a film obtained from a solution of the block copolymer at a temperature of 100° C. or more, crosslinking the film with a dialdehyde compound in water, an alcohol or a mixture of these under an acidic condition and then washing the film with water. Thus, there can be provided an anion exchange membrane in which organic fouling can be prevented and which exhibiting excellent basic properties such as a membrane resistance and an ionic transport number and excellent membrane strength.

Abstract: A process of producing a membrane includes extruding diluent and polymer to form an extrudate, the polymer includes a first polyethylene having an Mw<1.0×106, a second polyethylene having an Mw?1.0×106, and a polypropylene having an Mw?5.0×105 and a ?Hm?80.0 J/g; wherein the sum of the polypropylene having an Mw?5.0×105 and a ?Hm?80.0 J/g and the second polyethylene is ?15.0 wt. % and processing the extrudate into a membrane having a thickness ?12.0 ?m by stretching the extrudate in at least one planar direction at about 108.0 to 116.0° C. after removing the solvent to a magnification factor of ?1.1 and excludes any stretching of the extrudate after removing the solvent at a magnification factor or >1.1 and removing at least a portion of the diluent from the extrudate.

Abstract: There is provided herein a membrane or film comprising one or more aromatic ionomers covalently crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar—Ar—), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—), aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—), aryl-sulfone-aryl bonds, or any combination thereof, wherein said one or more aromatic ionomers further comprises at least one electron withdrawing group adapted to improve oxidant resistance of said membrane or film.

Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers comprising a chain of siloxane repeat units of at least two different types, a first type of siloxane repeat unit comprising at least one —OH group on the silicon atom of the siloxane repeat unit and a second type of repeat unit comprising at least one pendant chain on the silicon atom of said repeat unit, this pendant chain consisting of a polymer chain comprising a chain of repeat units carrying at least one group of formula —PO3R1R2 wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a cation.

Abstract: Interpenetrating polymer networks comprising a first network of polymer A formed from monomers, at least one of which contains an aromatic group functionalized with a cation-exchange group, and a second network of polymer B formed from monomers, at least one of which contains a fluorinated group (RF). Use of these interpenetrating polymer networks for manufacturing fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: Highly energy efficient electrodialysis membranes having low operating costs and a novel process for their manufacture are described herein. The membranes are useful in the desalination of water and purification of waste water. They are effective in desalination of seawater due to their low electrical resistance and high permselectivity. These membranes are made by a novel process which results in membranes significantly thinner than prior art commercial electrodialysis membranes. The membranes are produced by polymerizing one or more monofunctional ionogenic monomers with at least one multifunctional monomer in the pores of a porous substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of cation-strung polymers capable of forming membranes having exceptional hydroxide ionic conductivity as well as low water uptake and methods of making the same. The invention also provides for using these cation-strung polymers to manufacture membranes useful in HEMFC fuel cells and other devices such as electrolysis, solar hydrogen generation, redox flow battery, dialysis, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, pervaporation, ion exchange, sensor, and gas separation.

Abstract: A process for producing a zeolite film is provided in which seed crystals thinly adhere to the surface of a support to form a thin and even zeolite film having fewer defects than conventional zeolite films. Also provided is a zeolite film obtained by the producing process. The process for producing the zeolite film comprises: a particle adhesion step of allowing a slurry, where zeolite particles which become seeds are dispersed, to flow down on the surface of a base material by the self-weight of the slurry, so that the zeolite particles adhere to the base material; and a film formation step of immersing the base material, to which the zeolite particles adhere, into a sol to carry out hydrothermal synthesis, thereby forming the zeolite film on the base material.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell, comprising a graft (co)polymer comprising a main chain and grafts comprising at least one proton acceptor group and at least one proton donor group.

Abstract: In a method of producing carbonate mineral, a first aqueous solution containing an alkaline earth metal ion extracted from a cation exchange medium by a cation exchange reaction and carbon dioxide are added to a second aqueous solution to form a carbonate mineral.

Abstract: A new class of membranes for use in protective clothing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymer-polymer membrane with an ionic polymer located within the nanopores of a porous polymer host membrane. A method for making the polymer-polymer membranes involves filling porous polymers with ionic polymers. The porous polymers may be fabricated by a template synthesis which involves sorption. The ionic polymers may be filled in the nanopores of the porous polymer by plasma-induced graft copolymerization of the ionic polymer with the porous polymeric host membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful for use in separators for use in lithium ion batteries, and membranes, separators, and devices derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method for improving the chemical stability of a vapor transfer membrane includes providing a vapor transfer membrane including an ionomer layer having protogenic groups and then annealing the vapor transfer membrane at a temperature greater than about 100° C. Advantageously, the performance and durability of WVT membranes are markedly improved by thermally annealing the membranes.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a fluorinated copolymer which is capable of providing an ion exchange membrane which can suppress a decrease in current efficiency by impurities in an aqueous alkali chloride solution as a raw material on e.g. electrolysis of the alkali chloride aqueous solution. A process for producing a fluorinated copolymer, which comprises a step of washing a fluorinated copolymer of a fluorinated monomer having a carboxylic acid type functional group with a fluorinated olefin, by a washing solvent containing a fluorinated solvent, at a temperature of at least 40° C. and at most a boiling point of the washing solvent.

Abstract: To provide a polymer electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells having high mechanical strength and excellent dimensional stability when it contains water even when it is made thin and the concentration of ionic groups is increased so as to reduce the electrical resistance, and a membrane/electrode assembly providing high output and having excellent durability.

Abstract: To provide a fluorinated copolymer which is capable of providing an ion exchange membrane having little adverse effect due to impurities in an alkali chloride aqueous solution on electrolysis of the alkali chloride aqueous solution. To use a fluorinated copolymer of a fluorinated monomer having a carboxylic acid type functional group with a fluorinated olefin, wherein the proportion of components having a common logarithm (log M) of a molecular weight M being from 2.0 to 3.5 is at most 10 mass % per 100 mass % of components having a common logarithm (log M) of a molecular weight M being at least 2.0, contained in a CClF2CF2CClFH soluble content.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyazole with an inherent viscosity, measured in at least 96% sulfuric acid at 25° C., greater than 2.9 dl/g, comprising the steps of i) mixing one or more aromatic tetraamino compounds with one or more aromatic carboxylic acids or esters thereof which comprise at least two acid groups per carboxylic acid monomer, or mixing one or more aromatic and/or heteroaromatic diaminocarboxylic acids, in polyphosphoric acid to form a solution and/or dispersion ii) heating the mixture from step i) under inert gas to temperatures in the range from 120° C. to 350° C. to form the polyazole, wherein in step ii), a mixture having a concentration of polyphosphoric acid, calculated as P2O5 (by acidimetric means), based on the total amount of H3PO4, polyphosphoric acid and water in the mixture, greater than 78.

Abstract: A method of making an ion conducting membrane includes a step of reacting a compound having formula 1 with a polymer having polymer segment 2: to form a copolymer having polymer segment 2 and polymer segment 3: and The copolymer having polymer segment 2 and polymer segment 3 are then formed into an ion conducting membrane, wherein Z is a C6-80 aliphatic, polyether, or perfluoropolyether; Y is a divalent linking group; E0 is a hydrocarbon-containing moiety; Q1 is a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety; P1, P2 are each independently absent, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —CO—, —SO2—, —NH—, NR2—, or —R3—; R2 is C1-25 alkyl, C1-25 aryl or C1-25 arylene; and R3 is C1-25 alkylene, C1-25 perfluoroalkylene, perfluoroalkyl ether, alkylether, or C1-25 arylene.

Abstract: A graft chain containing an N-vinylimidazole derivative is introduced into a polymer substrate by radiation graft polymerization to obtain an alkyl substituted imidazolium salt by a reaction with an alkyl halide, so that an anion exchange membrane with high alkaline durability, in which a nucleophilic substitution reaction and an elimination reaction are inhibited, is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sulfonate-based compound, a method for preparing the same, a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising the sulfonate-based compound, a membrane electrode assembly comprising the same and a fuel cell comprising the same.

Abstract: Described herein is a process to prepare crosslinkable polymers based on trifluorostyrene, and their use as polymer electrolyte membranes.

Abstract: One embodiment includes methods of adding two sulfonic acid groups to molecules having at least two cyclic groups.

Abstract: A method of preparing advanced membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for use in fuel cells. A base polymer is selected for a base membrane. An electrode composition is selected to optimize properties exhibited by the membrane electrode assembly based on the selection of the base polymer. A property-tuning coating layer composition is selected based on compatibility with the base polymer and the electrode composition. A solvent is selected based on the interaction of the solvent with the base polymer and the property-tuning coating layer composition. The MEA is assembled by preparing the base membrane and then applying the property-tuning coating layer to form a composite membrane. Finally, a catalyst is applied to the composite membrane.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane includes a porous support, a polyamide active layer formed on the porous support, and a coating layer including a copolymer including an amphoteric ionic compound and glycidyl (meth)acrylate. The coating layer makes a chemical bond with the polyamide active layer. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis membrane also is disclosed.

Abstract: A new class of membranes for use in protective clothing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymer-polymer membrane with an ionic polymer located within the nanopores of a porous polymer host membrane. A method for making the polymer-polymer membranes involves filling porous polymers with ionic polymers. The porous polymers may be fabricated by a template synthesis which involves sorption. The ionic polymers may be filled in the nanopores of the porous polymer by plasma-induced graft copolymerization of the ionic polymer with the porous polymeric host membrane.

Abstract: Various blends and blend membranes from low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y and polymers, the group R representing any organic group, the polymers containing cation exchanger groups or their nonionic precursors of the type SO2X, X being a halogen, OH, OMe, NR1R2, OR1 with Me being any metal cation or ammonium cation, R1, R2 being H or any aryl- or alkyl group, PDX2, COX and/or basic groups such as primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, imidazole groups, pyridine groups, pyrazole groups etc. and/or OH groups. Such membranes may also include polymers that are modified with the 1-hydroxymethylene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid group.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymer electrolyte membrane chemically bonded with an ionic liquid. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a polymer electrolyte membrane chemically bonded with an ionic liquid by reacting the ionic liquid with a novel polymer chain terminal. The polymer electrolyte membrane described herein has a high hydrogen ionic conductivity, even in a high-temperature and anhydrous environment. Additionally, the membrane displays electro-chemical and thermal stability. Moreover, the polymer electrolyte membrane may also be applied to a high-temperature and dry-out bio fuel cell.

Abstract: Provided are a tri-block copolymer and an electrolyte membrane prepared therefrom. The tri-block copolymer has a structure of polar moiety-containing copolymer block/non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block/polar moiety-containing copolymer block, or non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block/polar moiety-containing copolymer block/non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block, and is useful for an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells. The electrolyte membrane for fuel cells prepared from the tri-block copolymer exhibits superior dimensional stability and excellent fuel cell performance.

Abstract: Anion exchange polymer electrolytes that include guanidinium functionalized polymers may be used as membranes and binders for electrocatalysts in preparation of anodes for electrochemical cells such as solid alkaline fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cross-linked fluorinated polymers comprising sulfonic acid functional groups comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one fluorinated polymer (P) comprising at least one —SO3M functional group and less than 2% of —SO2F functional groups with respect to the total amount of —SO3M and —SO2F functional groups, wherein each M is selected from H and alkaline metals; and b) reacting said fluorinated polymer with at least one cross-linking agent of formula R(X)n under conditions that promote the formation of covalent bonds between the at least one functional group —SO3M of fluorinated polymer (P) and at least one functional group X of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Ionomers and ionomer membranes, consisting of a non-fluorinated or partly fluorinated non-, partly or fully-aromatic main chain and a non- or partly-fluorinated side chain with ionic groups or their non-ionic precursors, have a positive impact on the proton conductivity of the ionomers. Various processes produce these polymeric proton conductors.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.

Abstract: 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. The polymeric and carbon membranes can be used to separate and purify gases or liquids.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: Ionomeric polymers that are chemically stabilized and contain inorganic fillers are prepared, and show reduced degradation. The ionomers care useful in membranes and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A method including providing an ion conductive membrane and deactivating a selected region of the membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a membrane having a first major surface and a second major surface and including one or more anionic exchange electrolyte polymers. The membranes can be useful for selectively mass transporting molecules and/or ions.

Abstract: A polymer for ion conductor applications includes a polymer segment having a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and a phosphonated aryl group and a polymer segment a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety without phosphonated aryl group. The polymer is formed into an ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a photocatalytic and electrolytic catalyst includes in various aspects one or more catalysts, a method for forming a catalyst, an electrolytic cell, and a reaction method.

Abstract: A method for making hollow metal tubes includes a step combining a polyphenylene sulfide-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then extruded to form an extruded resinous mixture. The extruded resinous mixture includes polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers within the carrier resin. The extruded resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers from the carrier resin. The polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers are then formed into a membrane.