2D Ionomer Composite Membranes for Permeance-Selectivity Tradeoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymeric membranes face a trade-off between permeance and selectivity, necessitating the development of membranes with improved properties.

Innovation Solution

The integration of two-dimensional materials, such as graphene or hexagonal boron nitride, with ionomers and supports like polyether sulfone, forms membranes that enhance permeability and selectivity by infilling pores and defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If polymeric membranes are used to achieve permeability, then permeance is improved, but selectivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepermeanceVSAvoidselectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two-dimensional materials (graphene, h-BN, TMDCs) with polymeric supports to create composite membranes. The 2D material layer provides selective barrier properties while the polymer support provides mechanical strength and permeability pathways, resolving the trade-off between permeance and selectivity through material composition rather than single-material optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The two-dimensional material is disposed upon the polymeric support to form a nested structure where the thin 2D layer is embedded on the polymer matrix. This nested configuration allows the 2D material to provide selective filtration while the underlying polymer layer maintains structural integrity and provides permeability, enabling both high permeance and selectivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If two-dimensional material is disposed on support to form construct, then selectivity is improved, but membrane complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveselectivityVSAvoidmembrane structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses atomically thin two-dimensional material films (graphene, h-BN, TMDCs) as flexible barriers on polymeric supports. These ultrathin films provide high selectivity without adding significant structural complexity or thickness, maintaining membrane flexibility and processability while achieving superior separation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes inherently porous two-dimensional materials, particularly porous TMDCs, which provide selective transport pathways through their controlled pore structures. The porosity is intrinsic to the 2D material structure rather than requiring complex external pore-forming processes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high selectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These membranes demonstrate reduced hydrogen crossover and improved proton conductivity, leading to enhanced performance in fuel cells and gas separation applications.

Implementation Method 1

the two-dimensional material is infilled with the ionomer, the support is infilled with the ionomer, the construct is infilled with the ionomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the two-dimensional material disposed on the support, thereby forming a construct... demonstrating reduced hydrogen crossover and improved proton conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier effect: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20260021452A1Membranes, devices, and methods of making and use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 VANDERBILT UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed herein are membranes, devices, and methods of making and use thereof. For example, disclosed herein are membranes comprising: a two-dimensional (2D) material, a support, and an ionomer, wherein the two-dimensional (2D) material disposed on the support, thereby forming a construct, wherein the two-dimensional material is infilled with the ionomer, the support is infilled with the ionomer, the construct is infilled with the ionomer, or a combination thereof, thereby forming the membrane.