Polymer electrolyte membranes crosslinked by nitrile trimerization
US7435498B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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, by trimerization of nitrile groups contained on groups pendant from the polymer. The resulting polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a highly fluorinated polymer comprising: a perfluorinated backbone, first pendent groups which comprise sulfonic acid groups, and crosslinks comprising trivalent groups according to the formula:The first pendent groups are typically according to the formula: —R1—SO3H, where R1 is a branched or unbranched perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroether group comprising 1-15 carbon atoms and 0-4 oxygen atoms, most typically —O—CF2—CF2—CF2—CF2—SO3H or —O—CF2—CF(CF3)—O—CF2—CF2—SO3H.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.