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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Sulfonated Polyfluorene Ionomers (SPI)
Contact and place of performance
Kathleen McDonald
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
Sulfonated polyfluorene ionomers represent a next-generation electrode material designed to replace conventional perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers in fuel cells and water electrolyzers. The chemistry behind these ionomers delivers high proton conductivity, improved water management and reduced interference with catalysts, all within a structurally tunable platform. Organizations developing or manufacturing membr...
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The sulfonated polyfluorene ionomer architecture addresses each of those limitations through deliberate structural design. The fluorene backbone accommodates two ionic groups per repeating unit, enabling high ionic concentration and strong proton conductivity, while short fluorinated side chains restore the hydrophobicity needed to prevent electrode flooding. The rigid, fused-ring structure of fluorene minimizes phenyl adsorption on catalyst surfaces — preserving catalytic activity that other hydrocarbon ionomers tend to diminish. The material also dissolves readily in common polar organic solvents, which simplifies electrode fabrication and supports scalable manufacturing processes.
Advantages
Market Applications
Development Status: TRL 4
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-23292
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact [email protected].
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
m.lanl.gov/tech-search
The U.S. Department of Energy, through the Triad DOE Contractor at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is offering a technology licensing opportunity for Sulfonated Polyfluorene Ionomers (SPI) under solicitation number S-167702. This special notice describes a next-generation electrode material designed to replace conventional perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers in fuel cells and water electrolyzers. The opportunity is classified under NAICS 325211 for Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing and PSC AC34 for National Defense R&D Services; Defense-Related Activities; R&D Administrative Expenses. There is no set-aside (NONE) assigned to this notice, and responses are due by June 30, 2026.
The SPI technology addresses performance and environmental limitations associated with existing hydrocarbon-based and PFSA materials. While conventional hydrocarbons often suppress catalyst activity and PFSA materials involve higher production costs, the SPI architecture utilizes a fluorene backbone to deliver high proton conductivity and improved water management. Its rigid, fused-ring structure minimizes unwanted catalyst interactions, and short fluorinated side chains provide the hydrophobicity required to prevent electrode flooding. This material is soluble in common polar organic solvents, which supports scalable electrode fabrication for clean transportation, stationary power generation, and industrial hydrogen production.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4 with a U.S. patent pending, the technology is intended for commercial innovation through exclusive or non-exclusive licensing agreements rather than as a call for external development services. The place of performance is Los Alamos, New Mexico. Administrative details and technical inquiries are managed by point of contact Kathleen McDonald.
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