High-temperature proton exchange membrane
This technology describes a new class of ion-conducting membranes made by directly polymerizing sulfonated monomers into polysulfone or polyimide structures, then blending in a heteropoly acid additive at the nanoscale. The result is a membrane that conducts protons (charged hydrogen ions) more effectively than the industry-standard Nafion material, particularly at temperatures above 100°C where Nafion struggles. The nanocomposite structure keeps the additive particles tiny enough that the membrane remains transparent, while simultaneously improving thermal stability and reducing unwanted water absorption. These membranes are designed as the core separator component in hydrogen fuel cells or industrial ion exchange systems.
What you could build
A drop-in replacement proton exchange membrane for hydrogen fuel cells targeting automotive, stationary power, or defense applications; primary buyers would be fuel cell stack manufacturers and system integrators who need high-temperature-stable membrane material.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors and naval research facilities (e.g., around Newport News or the Pentagon corridor) working on fuel cell power systems for submarines or unmanned vehicles would be plausible licensees or development partners.
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
- James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
- Granted
- September 7, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7790837
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.