Abstract: This invention relates to an osmotically compacted polyelectrolyte complex having a first region and a second region, the first region having a greater modulus than the second region and a method for preparing such an article. The article comprising the polyelectrolyte complex is produced by contacting a polyelectrolyte complex with a solution comprising an osmolyte at a concentration sufficient to compact the polyelectrolyte complex. The compaction process is terminated before the entire article is osmotically compacted.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for stabilizing a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer comprising ion exchange groups, said process comprising: suspending at least one semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups [polymer (I)] in at least one fluorinated organic dispersing medium [medium (M)] so as to obtain a dispersion (D) of polymer (I) in a dispersing medium (M); contacting said dispersion (D) with fluorine under irradiation with U. V. radiation so as to obtain a stabilized polymer. Still objects of the invention are a stable semi-crystalline fluoropolymer as above defined having a low amount of unstable ends groups of —COF type, the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer obtained by the process or of the stable fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising said fluoropolymers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane to be assembled in a membrane, electrode assembly includes the step of swelling an ion-conducting membrane in a liquid containing at least one solvent or to an atmosphere containing the vapor phase of at least one solvent by controlling the content of the solvent in the ion-conducting membrane. A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly using an ion conducting membrane includes the steps of: providing an ion-conducting membrane in a pre-swollen state; coating the ion-conducting membrane on both sides with an electrode layer to form a sandwich; and hot-pressing the sandwich to form an ion-conducting bonding of the layers of the sandwich. Furthermore, a membrane electrode assembly is disclosed including a hot pressed sandwich having an electrode layer, a ion-conducting membrane and again an electrode layer, thereby using the ion-conducting membrane in its pre-swollen status prior to the hot-pressing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high exchange capacity perfluorinated resin comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures, which is prepared by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene, vinyl ether monomers comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures, and vinyl ether monomer comprising bromine-containing pendant group, wherein based on all monomer units in the copolymer, the mol % of tetrafluoroethylene monomer is 50-85%, the mol % of vinyl ether monomers comprising two kinds of sulfonyl fluoride-containing short pendant groups of different structures is 5-49% and the mol % of vinyl ether monomer comprising bromine-containing pendant group is 1-10%.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a polymer electrolyte membrane including (A) a membrane formation step of forming a membrane-form product of an ionic group-containing polymer electrolyte on a support, (B) an acid treatment step of exchanging the ionic group into an acid type by bringing the membrane into contact with an inorganic acid-containing acidic liquid, (C) an acid removal step of removing a free acid in the acid-treated membrane, and (D) a drying step of drying the acid-removed membrane, wherein the steps (B) to (D) are carried out without separating the membrane from the support.

Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymer composition formed by dissolving in an aprotic polar solvent at least one sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol % sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of sulfonation susceptible monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane for ethanol and aromatics separation that is stable in an alcohol containing environment. The membrane is a polyether epoxy resin having an aliphatic substituted epoxide. The invention also teaches a method to control the flux and selectivity of the membrane.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a tetrazole-containing polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprising (10) or more subunits, wherein one or more of the subunits comprise one or more tetrazolyl moieties. In one embodiment, a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) was modified using a “click chemistry” [2+3] cycloaddition reaction with sodium azide and zinc chloride to yield new PIMs containing tetrazole units. Polymers of the present invention are useful as high-performance materials for membrane-based gas separation, materials for ion exchange resins, materials for chelating resins, materials for superabsorbents, materials for ion conductive matrixes, materials for catalyst supports or materials for nanoparticle stabilizers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention includes method, compositions and devices including acid-base polymer membranes with high proton conductivity at low relative humidity, good thermal and mechanical stabilities and low methanol crossover. The acid-base polymer membrane includes an acidic polymer mixed with a basic polymer. The acidic polymer includes an acidic group attached to an aromatic polymer, while the basic polymer includes at least one heterocyclic ring structure attached to an aromatic polymer.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is 0.1 to 1.5. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: Ligand additives having two or more coordination sites in close proximity can be used in the polymer electrolyte of membrane electrode assemblies in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells in order to reduce the dissolution of catalyst, particularly from the cathode, and hence reduce fuel cell degradation over time.

Abstract: A method of reshaping an article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex, the polyelectrolyte complex comprising an intermolecular blend of a predominantly positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte by controlling the salt doping level.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a solid electrolyte material-containing sheet excellent in strength. The present invention attains the object by providing a method for producing a solid electrolyte material-containing sheet comprising the steps of: preparing a raw material composition containing a sulfide solid electrolyte material and a binder composition containing a monomer or oligomer having a double bond and a radical polymerization initiator; applying the raw material composition to form a sheet-shaped composition; and polymerizing the sheet-shaped composition by radical polymerization.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the composition has a pH of 0.8 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing mechanically stabilized polyazole polymers. The process includes the steps of: a) producing a film comprising polyazoles with at least one amino group in a repeat unit, b) treating the film from step a) with a solution comprising (i) at least one acid and (ii) at least one stabilizing reagent, and c) performing the stabilization reaction in the membrane obtained in step directly or in a subsequent membrane processing step by heating to a temperature greater than 60° C. The stabilizing reagent contains at least one compound which has at least one aldehyde group and at least one hydroxyl group; or at least one hemiacetal group; or at least one acetal group. These polyazole polymer membranes have a high conductivity and a good mechanical stability and are suitable for applications in fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite or a composite membrane consisting of an ionomer and of an inorganic optionally functionalized phyllosilicate. The isomer can be: (a) a cation exchange polymer; (b) an anion exchange polymer; (c) a polymer containing both anion exchanger groupings as well as cation exchanger groupings on the polymer chain; or (d) a blend consisting of (a) and (b), whereby the mixture ratio can range from 100% (a) to 100% (b). The blend can be ionically and even covalently cross-linked. The inorganic constituents can be selected from the group consisting of phyllosilicates or tectosilicates.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to amination reactions and amination reaction products, and particularly to methods for aminating vinyl aromatic polymers utilizing tertiary amines. In one embodiment, the invention includes conducting an amination reaction by combining a tertiary amine and a vinyl aromatic polymer comprising benzyl chloride groups to form a reaction mixture and maintaining the pH of the reaction mixture within a designated range. In another embodiment, the invention includes an aminated vinyl aromatic polymer. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes an ion exchange resin including quaternary ammonium functionality. The invention is useful in preparing ion exchange resins suitable for a variety of applications such as the removal of perchlorate ions from water sources and recovery of gold cyanide from mining leach solutions.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are anion exchange polyelectrolytes that include an at least partially fluorinated polyaromatic polymer backbone; and at least one cationic functional group pendant therefrom. Also provided are anion exchange membranes (AEMs) formed from at least one anion exchange polyelectrolyte according to an embodiment of the invention, and fuel cells including such AEMs.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides polymer inorganic clay composite comprising a molecularly self-assembling material and an inorganic clay, and a process of making and an article comprising the polymer inorganic clay composite.

Abstract: Provided is an electrolyte membrane containing: a reinforced inner layer; and an unreinforced outer layer on one or each side of the reinforced inner layer, wherein the reinforced inner layer includes an inner ion exchange resin reinforced with a non-woven fabric composed of a melt moldable fluororesin in the form of a continuous fiber, wherein a number of intersecting points of the continuous fiber are fused and/or bonded, and wherein the unreinforced outer layer includes an outer ion exchange resin, which may be the same as or different from the inner ion exchange resin. Also provided is a membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein the membrane electrode assembly contains the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new design for high capacity stationary phases for dianion selective ion chromatography. The stationary phases include one or more layers which are products of condensation polymerization. Multiple components are of use in forming the first polymer layer and the condensation polymer structure, thereby providing a stationary phase that can be engineered to have a desired property such as ion capacity, ion selectivity, and the like. Exemplary condensation polymers are formed by the reaction of at least one polyfunctional compound with at least one compound of complimentary reactivity, e.g., a nucleophilic polyfunctional compound reacting with an electrophilic compound.

Abstract: A method for the production of mechanically stabilized polyazole polymers, comprising the following steps: a) providing a membrane comprising i.) polyazoles with at least one amino group in a repeating unit except the ones obtainable by reacting aromatic and/or heteroaromatic diaminocarboxylic acids, ii.) at least one strong acid and iii.) at least one stabilizing reagent, the total content of stabilizing reagents in the membrane being within the range of from 0.01 to 30% by weight, b) performing the stabilization reaction in the membrane, immediately or in a subsequent processing step of the membrane, c) if appropriate, additionally doping the membrane obtained in accordance with step b) with a strong acid or concentrating the present strong acid further by removal of present water, wherein the stabilizing agent comprises at least one oxazine-based compound. The polyazole polymer membranes thus obtainable are in particular characterized by a high conductivity and a very good mechanical stability.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An ionomer may be used as a binder for a catalyst to prepare an anode for a solid alkaline fuel cell. The ionomer is a reaction product of a guanidine and a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer.

Abstract: A proton conducting polymer electrolyte comprising a proton conducting ionomer cross-linked with an amount of a copolymer additive comprising cross-linking functional groups and other functional groups (e.g. proton carriers, chelating agents, radical scavengers) shows improved durability over the ionomer alone and provides for more stable inclusion of these other functional groups. The copolymer additive comprises at least two types of metal oxide monomers, one having cross-linking functional groups and the other having the other functional groups.

Abstract: An anhydrous, proton-conductive medium comprises a poly(amic acid)-based polyimide and at least one phosphorus compound from the group consisting of phosphorus oxides and phosphoric acids. The precursor solution for the polyimide is a mixture of a phosphorus oxide and a poly(amic acid). A suitable phosphorus oxide has the formula P4O10. A process for forming an anhydrous, proton-conductive membrane comprises mixing a phosphorus oxide in a poly(amic acid) solution to form a mixture, dispensing the mixture upon a support structure, and substantially drying the mixture. The mixture may then be cured.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a blend of a sulfonated poly(aryl ether) and a phenol compound along with methods for making and using the same. Many additional embodiments are described including applications for such membranes.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the composition of an MEA for a fuel cell. The method includes soaking the MEA in an unsaturated organic compound for a predetermined period of time, and then allowing the MEA to dry. The method then includes staining the MEA with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) in a closed container. The stained MEA is then encased in an epoxy. Thin sections of the encapsulated MEA are then prepared, and the sections are viewed through a transmission electron microscope. The stained MEA will show dark regions where the ionomer and carbon particles are located and lighter regions that are epoxy filled pores.

Abstract: Copolymers comprising at least one recurrent unit of the following formula (I) are provided: and at least one recurrent unit of the following formula (II): wherein: R1 is an alkylene group; Z is a —PO3R3R4, R3 and R4 representing independently of each other, a hydrogen atom an alkyl group, a cation; X and Y represent, independently of each other, a halogen atom, a perfluorocarbon group.

Abstract: A method for preparing an anion exchange membrane suitable for use in an alkaline fuel cell and particularly in a direct borohydride fuel cell, involves radiation grafting a hydrocarbon polymer film with a monomer and adding a quaternising agent. The degree of grafting is improved by mixing the monomer with a diluent comprising alcohol and a hydrocarbon solvent.

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: Disclosed is a method for producing a solid electrolyte film, which comprises: a formation step (A) in which a film that contains an electrolyte polymer is formed on a base; a separation step (B) in which the film formed on the base is separated from the base; a water washing step (C) in which the film obtained in the separation step (B) is water washed, while applying a tension (TC) to the film; a drying step (D) in which the film obtained in the water washing step (C) is dried, while applying a tension (TD) to the film. The method for producing a solid electrolyte film is characterized in that the tension (TC) and the tension (TD) satisfy the relation: (TC)<(TD).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer ion exchange membrane for acidic electrolyte flow battery. The membrane is nitrogen heterocycles aromatic polymer, especially polybenzimidazole type polymer. A nitrogen heterocycles in the membrane interact with acid in the electrolyte to form donor-receptor proton transport network, so as to keep the proton transport performance of the membrane. The preparation condition for the membrane is mild, and the process is simplicity. The preparation method is suitable for mass production. The membrane is used in acidic electrolyte flow battery, especially in vanadium flow energy storage battery. The membrane has excellent mechanical stability and thermostability. In vanadium redox flow battery, the membrane has excellent proton conduct performance and excellent resistance to the permeation of vanadium ions.

Abstract: A method is provided, comprising: copolymerizing a monomer comprising at least two amide groups, a monomer of formula (a) and a sulfonic acid or salt monomer, wherein R1 is CH3 or H. A polymer made by the method, a membrane and an electrode comprising the polymer are provided.

Abstract: The disclosed methods enable zirconium sulfophenyl phosphonate, zirconium sulfate, or zirconia sulfate, which has high performance as a proton conducting material and high catalytic activity, to be produced at low temperature by reaction by adding sulfophenyl phosphonic acid or sulfuric acid to zirconium nanoparticles, the zirconium nanoparticles being a precursor of strongly acidic zirconium particles obtained by reacting zirconium alkoxide with zirconium butoxide as a chelating agent and nitric acid as a catalyst in isopropyl alcohol as a solvent.

Abstract: A curable resin composition comprising (a) a compound having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one ion conductive group, (b) a compound having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups, (c) an organosilicon compound having at least two SiH groups, (d) a platinum group catalyst, and (e) a solvent is dried and cured by heating into a cured film having excellent ionic conduction and serving as electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane and an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly satisfy fuel cell-related properties including ionic conduction and film strength as well as productivity.

Abstract: In the present invention is disclosed a method for producing a membrane for direct liquid fuel cell, which comprises polymerizing and curing a polymerizable composition containing at least a) an aromatic polymerizable monomer wherein one polymerizable group, at least one hydrogen atom, and at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl group bonded at the para-position relative to the polymerizable group, alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, halogen atom, acyloxy group and alkoxy group are bonded to the aromatic ring, b) a crosslinkable polymerizable monomer, and c) a polymerization initiator, or impregnating the polymerizable composition into a porous membrane and polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition, and then introducing a cation exchange group into the aromatic ring derived from the aromatic polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.

Abstract: A phosphorus containing monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the polymer, and a fuel cell including the electrode.

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 method is described for producing an osmotically compacted polyelectrolyte complex having a first region and a second region, the first region having a greater modulus than the second region. The method comprises contacting an article comprising polyelectrolyte complex to a solution comprising a preferred osmolyte of concentration sufficient to compact said polyelectrolyte complex and terminating the compaction process before the entire article is osmotically compacted. A method is also described for producing a article comprising water and an intermolecular blend of at least one positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer and at least one negatively charged polymer, said article having a core region and a surface region, the surface region having at least twice the elastic modulus of the core region, the method comprising contacting a starting article comprising a blend of said polymers with a solution of osmolyte, wherein the osmolyte is excluded from said article.

Abstract: A proton conducting hydrocarbon-based polymer has acid groups on side chains attached to the main chain, where the acid groups are between 7 and 12 atoms away from the main chain. Another polymer includes a semi-fluorinated aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CF2— group and an acid group. Another polymer includes an aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CH2-CF2— group and an acid group. Another aromatic polymer includes acid groups attached to both the main chain and the side chains where less than about 65 weight percent of the acid groups are attached to the side chains. Another aromatic polymer includes side chains attached to the main chain that include at least one aryl ring, and acid groups attached to both the main chain and to the aryl groups. Another polymer includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon main chain, side chains that include at least one deactivating aryl ring, and acid groups attached to the deactivating aryl rings.

Abstract: There are provided herein selective membranes, such as composite membranes, and/or films and processes for their preparation. The membranes and/or films have a given morphology which may be stabilized, for example against swelling and chemical degradation, by covalent crosslinking and optionally, in addition, by hydrophobization. There is provided a membrane and/or film and a process for the preparation thereof, the membrane and/or film include an ionomer and/or polyelectrolyte crosslinked through aryl-aryl (—Ar-Ar-), aryl-ether-aryl (—Ar—O—Ar—) and/or aryl-sulfide-aryl (—Ar—S—Ar—) bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to branched addition copolymers which can be cured post synthesis to form films or membranes, methods for their preparation, compositions comprising such copolymers and their use in film or membrane preparation.