Bromine, chlorine or iodine functional polymer electrolytes crosslinked by e-beam

US7265162B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Michael A. Yandrasits · Hastings, US
• Steven J. Hamrock · Saint Paul, US
• Klaus Hintzer · Woodbury, US
• Arne Thaler · Emmerting, DE
• Tatsuo Fukushi · Woodbury, US
• Naiyong Jing · Woodbury, US
• Kai H. Lochhaas · Neuötting, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 13, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 4, 2007
• Expiry date: Jan 6, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method is provided for making a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, typically in the form of a membrane for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane in an electrolytic cell such as a fuel cell, as well as the polymer so made, the method comprising application of electron beam radiation to a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer comprising: a backbone derived in part from tetrafluoro-ethylene monomer, first pendent groups which include a group according to the formula —SO2X, where X is F, Cl, Br, OH or —O−M+, where M+ is a monovalent cation, and second pendent groups which include Br, Cl or I. Typically, the membrane has a thickness of 90 microns or less, more typically 60 or less, and most typically 30 microns or less.