Proton-exchange composite containing nanoparticles having outer oligomeric ionomer, and methods of forming
US7709542B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A proton-exchange composite includes a polymer matrix formed from a proton-exchange polymer and ionomer particles distributed therein. The polymer has side chains with ionic groups. The particles have an average particle size of less than 20 nm and include an oligomeric ionomer that interacts with the polymer and attracts the ionic groups on its side chains. The composite may be formed by a method in which an initiator is bonded to silica particulates. The initiator is used to initiate polymerization of a precursor monomer to form a salt form of the oligomeric ionomer bonded to the silica particulates, which is then reacted with an acid to produce the oligomeric ionomer, thus forming the ionomer particles. The ionomer particles are dispersed in a solution containing a solvent and the polymer dissolved therein. The solvent is removed. The residue is cured to form the composite.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.