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Optimized Multiply-Functionalized Mesostructured Materials

Technology Benefits

Proton-conductivity at high temperatures (>120˚ C)Optimized mesostructural ordering in functionalized materials

Technology Application

Fuel Cells Batteries

Detailed Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have recently developed systems and methods of synthesizing multiply-functionalized materials. The novel synthesis consists of two sequential steps that overcome many of the previous limitations from “one-pot” approaches. After block-copolymer-directed mesostructured solids are synthesized, post-synthesis grafting methods are used to anchor ion-conducting organic species to the silica surfaces of the inorganic material. The additional steps functionalize the materials without affecting the mesostructural ordering of the silica support. Sequential processing of multiply-functionalized mesoporous films is shown to yield materials that are compositionally and structurally heterogeneous on both mesoscopic and molecular length scales. By controlling both length scales, novel films with ion-conduction properties can sustain high proton-conductivity in fuel cells operating above 120˚ C, without being affected by CO poisoning and membrane dehydration.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: US8758653B2
Application Number: US2010792590A
Inventor: Chmelka, Bradley F. | Athens, George L. | Messinger, Robert
Priority Date: 2 Jun 2009
Priority Number: US8758653B2
Application Date: 2 Jun 2010
Publication Date: 24 Jun 2014
IPC Current: B05D000512 | B82Y003000 | B82Y004000
US Class: 2525194 | 25251951 | 4271261
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Molecular optimization of multiply-functionalized mesostructured materials
Usefulness: Molecular optimization of multiply-functionalized mesostructured materials
Summary: Method for sequential formation of multiple functionalized mesostructured material (claimed), used in electrodes, ultracapacitors, fuel cell membranes, batteries, microelectronic or opto-electronic applications, and ion-conduction applications.
Novelty: Multiple functionalized mesostructured material formation, e.g. used for electrodes and ultracapacitors includes introducing functional property into mesostructured material

Industry

Chemical/Material

Sub Category

Fuel Cell

Application No.

8758653

Others

Background

Porous inorganic solids can be functionalized with novel properties by incorporating multiple functionalities in the materials. The syntheses of these materials typically follow “one-pot” protocols, which require all of the functionalities to be incorporated simultaneously during self-assembly and the formation of the inorganic network. These synthesis conditions rely on the collective compatibilities of the multiple components, which often limit the extent and diversity of the functional species that can be introduced. While organic functionalization of mesoporous inorganic materials is possible, no current approaches exist for combining the wide range of organic compound properties with the robust thermal and mechanical stabilities of inorganic solids.

 

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Inorganic Coploymer-Dye Composites and Dye-Doped Mesoporous Materials
• Hierarchically Ordered Porous Oxides
• Functionalized Inorganic Films For Ion Conduction
• Carbon Materials With Interconnected Pores

Tech ID/UC Case

23774/2008-465-0

Related Cases

2008-465-0

*Abstract

None

*IP Issue Date

Jun 24, 2014

*Principal Investigator

Name: George Athens

Department:

Name: Bradley Chmelka

Department:

Name: Robert Messinger

Department:

Country/Region

USA