RPI ID: 2019-015-401 / 2019-015-601 / 2019-015-602

Innovation Summary:
This suite of inventions introduces a new class of alkaline anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on diphenylethylene and alkadiene copolymers. These membranes are engineered with tailored ionic spacing and a chemically robust backbone that avoids degradation-prone sites common in styrene-based AEMs. The result is a family of membranes with superior chemical stability, high ion conductivity, and long-term durability in harsh alkaline environments. The innovations span polymer design, ionic group placement, and scalable fabrication methods, offering a comprehensive solution for next-generation electrochemical energy systems.

Challenges / Opportunities:
Conventional AEMs used in fuel cells and electrolyzers often degrade under alkaline conditions, limiting their lifespan and efficiency. These inventions address that challenge by introducing a structurally stable polymer architecture with optimized ionic group distribution. This opens new opportunities for high-performance, long-lasting membranes in clean energy applications, including hydrogen production, energy storage, and green chemical processes.

Key Benefits / Advantages:
✔ Chemically stable in high-pH environments
✔ High ion conductivity through optimized ionic spacing
✔ Durable and scalable for commercial manufacturing
✔ Avoids degradation-prone structural motifs
✔ Versatile across multiple electrochemical platforms

Applications:
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Water electrolyzers and hydrogen production
• Ion exchange and separation systems
• Renewable energy storage
• Green chemistry and clean energy devices

Keywords:
#Anionexchangemembrane #diphenylethylene #alkalinestability #ionicconductivity #electrochemicalmaterials #fuelcellmembranes

Intellectual Property:
US Issued Patent(s) 11,207,672 B2; 11,938,472 B2; 12,303,880 B2