TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Sulfonated Polyfluorene Ionomers (SPI)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), under the Department of Energy, has issued a Special Notice for a TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY concerning Sulfonated Polyfluorene Ionomers (SPI). This advanced material is designed as a next-generation electrode component for fuel cells and water electrolyzers. LANL invites organizations interested in licensing this patented/patent-pending technology to advance cleaner energy solutions. This is not a call for external services.
Technology Overview
Sulfonated Polyfluorene Ionomers (SPI) are engineered to replace conventional perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers in electrochemical devices. SPI offers significant advantages, including high proton conductivity, improved water management, and reduced interference with catalysts, all within a structurally tunable platform. The material's rigid, fused-ring fluorene structure minimizes catalyst adsorption, preserving activity, while short fluorinated side chains prevent electrode flooding. SPI also dissolves readily in common polar organic solvents, simplifying electrode fabrication and supporting scalable manufacturing. It is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and is US Patent pending.
Key Advantages
- Delivers high proton conductivity through a tunable polymer structure.
- Improves water management and reduces electrode flooding risk.
- Minimizes unwanted interactions with electrocatalysts to preserve performance.
- Dissolves in common solvents for easier and more scalable electrode fabrication.
- Offers a lower-cost, lower-environmental-impact alternative to PFSA materials.
- Demonstrated applicability across both fuel cell and water electrolyzer platforms.
Market Applications
- Clean Transportation (hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, fleet power systems)
- Stationary Power Generation (backup power, grid support, distributed energy)
- Hydrogen Production (proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, industrial hydrogen systems)
- Membrane Electrode Assembly Manufacturing (ionomer supply, electrode component production)
- Portable Power Systems (auxiliary power units, remote and off-grid energy devices)
Licensing & Engagement
LANL's licensing program aims to move inventions from research to commercial innovation. Patented and patent-pending technologies are available through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. Interested parties should contact LANL for specific discussions.
Key Dates
- Response/Discussion Period Ends: June 30, 2026
- Published Date: May 14, 2026
Contact Information
For licensing inquiries, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.