SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Method for Controlled Water Channel Formation in Crosslinked Polyelectrolyte Membranes
- Notice Date
- 4/15/2024 8:43:50 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 325998
— All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- LLNS � DOE CONTRACTOR Livermore CA 94551 USA
- ZIP Code
- 94551
- Solicitation Number
- IL-13912
- Response Due
- 5/15/2024 9:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 05/30/2024
- Point of Contact
- Jared Lynch, Phone: 9254226667, Charlotte Eng, Phone: 9254221905
- E-Mail Address
-
lynch36@llnl.gov, eng23@llnl.gov
(lynch36@llnl.gov, eng23@llnl.gov)
- Description
- Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its �novel method to enhance the performance of polyelectrolyte membranes using a humidity-controlled crosslinking process that allows for controlled water channel formation. Background: The ion-conductive performance of a polyelectrolyte membrane hinges on its ability to form hydrophilic domains, commonly known as water channels. Ion transport within the membrane predominantly occurs within these ionic highways, where ions traverse through a blend of diffusion, migration, and site hopping mechanisms. These processes are facilitated by anchored ionic sites intricately dispersed along the inner walls of the water channels. The size and winding nature of these channels are shaped by a myriad of factors, including the chemical attributes of the polymer's backbone, ion exchange content, and the length and frequency of ionic functional sidechains.� For a given application, the efficacy of polyelectrolyte membranes is contingent upon their proficiency in selectively transporting particular ions while excluding others, as well as any gaseous or liquid byproducts. The selectivity of these materials is closely tied to the dimensions and configuration of the water channels as well as the ion exchange capacity (IEC). Frequently, the dimensions of the water channels are intricately linked to the IEC, making it challenging to manage both selectivity and water uptake (WU) without modifying the IEC. This challenge can result in suboptimal performance, particularly at elevated IEC levels, where there is a disproportionate increase in water absorption and the expansion of hydrophilic channels. Description: LLNL researchers have developed a method to enhance the performance of polyelectrolyte membranes by using a humidity-controlled crosslinking process which can be applied to precisely adjust the water channels of the membrane. The method allows for membrane performance optimization without changing the fundamental chemistry, thereby enabling the tailoring of the membrane to suit the specific demands of the intended application.� The process lends itself to on-demand, purposeful batch variation, based on processing conditions, offering an economical approach for customizing materials on a large scale, particularly for industrial manufacturing.� The novel method utilizes a UV-active small molecule crosslinker previously integrated into the polymer network.� The crosslinker must be soluble in the selected solvent used during the evaporation casting process for the final membrane form factor preparation. Once the desired solid form factor is produced, the membranes are then transferred to a controlled humidity chamber. The equilibrated membranes are subsequently exposed to a UV light and cured. During this exposure, effective crosslinking occurs locking in the water channel domain size. Following the curing process, the microstructure is locked into place chemically and can be further processed for utilization and characterization. Advantages/Benefits:� Method allows for membrane performance optimization without necessitating alterations to the fundamental chemistry. Custom tailoring of the membrane to suit the specific demands for a given application. Can tune water channel physical dimensions and hence control conductivity and selectivity of the polyelectrolyte membrane. Can potentially work with a variety of polymer precursors and small molecule crosslinkers. Potential Applications:� CO2 Electrolyzers, proton exchange membranes, solid state battery electrolytes, water and wastewater treatment. Development Status:� Current stage of technology development:� TRL 3 LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information.� Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note:� THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.� Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Method for Controlled Water Channel Formation in Crosslinked Polyelectrolyte Membranes should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Method for Controlled Water Channel Formation in Crosslinked Polyelectrolyte Membranes. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL�s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA� 94551-0808 Attention:�� IL-13912
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/470e60e2f2454713b21888e9517a93a7/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Livermore, CA, USA
- Country: USA
- Country: USA
- Record
- SN07030304-F 20240417/240415230050 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's SAM Daily Index Page |