Patent ID: 7811693
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: B01D,C08G,C08J,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A proton exchange membrane, comprising: a hybrid inorganic-organic network including metal cations as part of the hybrid inorganic-organic network, the metal cations being distributed through the hybrid inorganic-organic network; and acid groups attached to the hybrid inorganic-organic network by an interaction between an acid compound and the metal cations, the acid compound being directly attached to the hybrid inorganic-organic network by an interaction between the acid compound and the metal cations, the acid groups being provided by the acid compound, the acid compound being selected from a group of compounds consisting of free mineral acids, organic acids, and combinations thereof, the hybrid inorganic-organic network having an inorganic portion comprising silicon, oxygen, and the metal cations, the interaction between the metal cations and the acid compounds having an electron withdrawing effect on the acid compound, so as to increase proton mobility within the proton exchange membrane.