Polybenzimidazole compounds

US7772361B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC · US

Inventors

• John R. Klaehn · Idaho Falls, US
• Eric S. Peterson · Idaho Falls, US
• Alan K. Wertsching · Idaho Falls, US
• Christopher J. Orme · Firth, US
• Thomas A. Luther · Matthews, US
• Michael G. Jones · Pocatello, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 3, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 10, 2010
• Expiry date: Jul 15, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S525/933
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A PBI compound that includes imidazole nitrogens, at least a portion of which are substituted with an organic-inorganic hybrid moiety. At least 85% of the imidazole nitrogens may be substituted. The organic-inorganic hybrid moiety may be an organosilane moiety, for example, (R)Me2SiCH2—, where R is selected from among methyl, phenyl, vinyl, and allyl. The PBI compound may exhibit similar thermal properties in comparison to the unsubstituted PBI. The PBI compound may exhibit a solubility in an organic solvent greater than the solubility of the unsubstituted PBI. The PBI compound may be included in separatory media. A substituted PBI synthesis method may include providing a parent PBI in a less than 5 wt % solvent solution. Substituting may occur at about room temperature and/or at about atmospheric pressure. Substituting may use at least five equivalents in relation to the imidazole nitrogens to be substituted or, preferably, about fifteen equivalents.