US 7,176,247 B1 · Interpenetrating polymer network

Abstract

A water insoluble interpenetrating polymer network is obtained by independently cross-linking a first polymer derived from a sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid group containing alkenyl monomer and a second polymer polymerized independently of the first polymer and interpenetrating the first polymer, where the second polymer is selectively permeable to water compared to methanol. Through adjustment of the degree of first polymer monomer acidification, polymer ratios and the extent of cross-linking in the at least two interpenetrating polymers, ion conductivity and solvent permeability are controlled. A film produced from such a water insoluble interpenetrating polymer network is well suited as a membrane in a direct methanol fuel cell. The relative degree and mechanism of cross-linking and interpenetrating the first polymer and second polymer are also adjustable parameters that impact on film properties.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A water-insoluble interpenetrating polymer network comprising:

a first polymer derived from a monomer having the general structure
where R1 is independently in each occurrence H, C1–C4 alkyl, C1–C4 hydroxy alkyl, Cl or Br;
Z is a nullity, O, C(O)NR3 or C(O);
R2 is independently in each occurrence H, C1–C4 alkyl, C1–C4 hydroxy alkyl, C0–C4 SO3M or C0–C4 PO2H2;
R3 is H, C1–C4 alkyl, C1–C4 hydroxy alkyl, where M is H, Li, Na, K, Zn, Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Cs and Al;
n is an integer from 1 to 5, inclusive, with the proviso that adjacent carbon atoms lack sulfonic and/or phosphonic acid groups and at least one sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid group is present in the structure;
a second monomer copolymerized with said monomer to impart water insolubility to said first polymer;
and
a second polymer polymerized independently of said first polymer and interpenetrating said first polymer wherein said second polymer is more permeable to water than methanol.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Interpenetrating polymer network

Life of this patent

Interpenetrating polymer network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27