Blocky PEEK copolymer membrane for durable hydrogen fuel cells
This technology is a new way to make a high-performance plastic called PEEK (poly ether ether ketone) with a precisely controlled 'blocky' chemical structure. The key innovation is that the synthesis is done in a liquid environment where PEEK does not dissolve, which unexpectedly produces a material with much higher levels of chemical modification and crystallinity than older methods. The resulting material can be formed into thin membranes that conduct ions exceptionally well while resisting heat and chemical degradation. These properties make the membranes strong candidates for use inside hydrogen fuel cells, where durability and ion conductivity are critical performance metrics.
What you could build
A high-performance proton-exchange membrane (PEM) sold to hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers as a drop-in alternative to expensive perfluorinated membranes like Nafion; target buyers are fuel cell stack producers and automotive OEMs developing hydrogen powertrains.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, naval systems integrators, and energy technology companies developing hydrogen fuel cell power systems for vehicles or unmanned platforms would have direct interest.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Kelly D. Branham, David B. Roller, Stéphane Jeol, Marco Apostolo, Robert B. Moore, Lindsey Anderson, Samantha Talley, Xijing Yuan
- Granted
- December 12, 2023
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11840606
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.