Ionic semiconductor materials and applications thereof
First Claim
1. An ionic semiconductor having an ion transport rate which is temperature dependent, said semiconductor comprising an inert man-made polymeric matrix material and a hydrogel, the molecules of the hydrogel being substantially uniformly dispersed within said matrix material to form a composite structure wherein contact between hydrogel molecules is minimized by the matrix and the formation of channels is thereby limited, the composite allowing the transfer of ions and preventing the passage of un-ionized matter, the hydrogel comprising 10 to approximately 50% by weight of the dry composite, there being sufficient bonding between the hydrogel molecules and the matrix material to prevent substantial leach-out of hydrogel molecules from the composite.
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Abstract
An ion transport membrane includes 10 to approximately 50 percent by weight of a hydrogel which is dispersed within an inert nonporous matrix material to form a composite wherein the quantity of water that can be absorbed by the composite does not substantially exceed the weight of the composite. The membranes may be used in electrochemical cells, for water purification, as solid polymeric electrolytes, in breathable waterproof coatings, and in numerous other applications for controlled moisture or ion transfer.
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Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An ionic semiconductor having an ion transport rate which is temperature dependent, said semiconductor comprising an inert man-made polymeric matrix material and a hydrogel, the molecules of the hydrogel being substantially uniformly dispersed within said matrix material to form a composite structure wherein contact between hydrogel molecules is minimized by the matrix and the formation of channels is thereby limited, the composite allowing the transfer of ions and preventing the passage of un-ionized matter, the hydrogel comprising 10 to approximately 50% by weight of the dry composite, there being sufficient bonding between the hydrogel molecules and the matrix material to prevent substantial leach-out of hydrogel molecules from the composite.
Specification