Highly conductive ordered ion exchange membranes

US7740967B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BEN GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY · IL

Inventors

• Yoram Oren · Beer Sheva, IL
• Viatcheslav Freger · Beer Sheva, IL
• Ora Kedem · Rehovot, IL
• Charles Linder · Rehovot, IL
• Eliyahu Korin · Beer Sheva, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 3, 2003
• Grant date: Jun 22, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2027

Classification

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

Abstract

Process for producing ion exchange membranes. A matrix material that comprises a polymeric component chosen from the group consisting of monomeric and oligomeric polymer precursors and cross-linkable polymers is provided. Ion cation or anion exchange particles, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting particles, or cation or anion exchange polymers, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting polymers are introduced in the matrix. The particles are mixed or the polymer is dissolved with the matrix. The resulting mixture is formed into membrane configuration. The particles or the domains of the polymer formed by polymer-matrix phase separation upon solvent evaporation or cooling, are ordered by an electric field. If the matrix comprises or consists of a polymer precursor or a cross-linkable polymer, the precursor is cured concurrently with the ordering of the particles, or if the matrix comprises a polymer solution or polymer melt the polymer solution is evaporated or the polymer melt is maintained and then cooled concurrently with the ordering of the particles.