Ugljesa Babic

Title: Ugljesa Babic: Innovator in Electrochemical Cell Technology

Introduction

Ugljesa Babic is a notable inventor based in Baden, Switzerland. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrochemical cells, particularly in the development of polymer membranes. His innovative work has led to the filing of two patents that enhance the efficiency and functionality of electrochemical systems.

Latest Patents

Ugljesa Babic's latest patents include a method for preparing a polymer membrane for a polymer electrolyte water electrolyser. This method involves creating an ionomer of an ion exchange membrane with a recombination catalyst to prevent gas crossover of species, such as hydrogen and/or oxygen, to anodic and cathodic cell compartments of an electrochemical cell. The ionomer is a proton or anion exchange polymer, and the recombination catalyst, selected from the precious metals group, is provided in ionic form in a liquid metal salt solution. The ion exchange membrane is immersed into the liquid metal salt solution to exchange ionic ionomer ports with the ionic form of the recombination catalyst. The membrane is then assembled in the electrochemical cell, and the ionic form of the recombination catalyst is at least partly reduced to metallic form by forcing hydrogen to permeate through the ionomer of the ion exchange membrane.

Another significant patent by Babic is a method for removing non-proton cationic impurities from an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical cell itself. This method effectively removes non-proton cationic impurities from the ionomer in a proton exchange membrane of an electrochemical cell and from the anode side and cathode side catalyst layers. A supply path for an anode feed to the ionomer on the anode side of the proton exchange membrane and a supply path for a cathode feed to the ionomer on the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane are provided. A regenerating fluid with acidic pH is brought into contact with the ionomer on the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane to accomplish an ion exchange of the non-proton cationic impurities with protons, thus removing the impurities without increasing the risk of corrosion and without interrupting the process of the electrochemical cell.

Career Highlights

Ugljesa Babic is currently associated with the Paul Scherrer Institute, where he continues to advance research in electrochemical technologies. His work is characterized by a strong focus on practical applications