The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 14, 2008
Filed:
May. 22, 2006
Michael A. Yandrasits, Hastings, MN (US);
Steven J. Hamrock, Stillwater, MN (US);
Werner M. Grootaert, Oakdale, MN (US);
Miguel A. Guerra, Woodbury, MN (US);
Naiyong Jing, Woodbury, MN (US);
Michael A. Yandrasits, Hastings, MN (US);
Steven J. Hamrock, Stillwater, MN (US);
Werner M. Grootaert, Oakdale, MN (US);
Miguel A. Guerra, Woodbury, MN (US);
Naiyong Jing, Woodbury, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, Saint Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A method is provided for making a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, typically in the form of a membrane for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane in an electrolytic cell such as a fuel cell, by trimerization of nitrile groups contained on groups pendant from the polymer. The resulting polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a highly fluorinated polymer comprising: a perfluorinated backbone, first pendent groups which comprise sulfonic acid groups, and crosslinks comprising trivalent groups according to the formula: The first pendent groups are typically according to the formula: —R—SOH, where Ris a branched or unbranched perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroether group comprising 1-15 carbon atoms and 0-4 oxygen atoms, most typically —O—CF—CF—CF—CF—SOH or —O—CF—CF(CF)—O—CF—CF—SOH.