CO2 Separation Membrane With Ultra-Thin Layers for High Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide separation membranes with a high affinity layer face challenges in efficiently capturing carbon dioxide from mixed gases with low concentrations due to reduced permeation flux.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide separation membrane design comprising a porous substrate, a protective layer with a thickness of 15 nm or less, and a separation layer with a thickness of 300 nm or less, containing a substance with high affinity for carbon dioxide, enhances permeation flux and selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separation layer with high affinity for carbon dioxide is provided on the membrane, then carbon dioxide selectivity is improved, but gas molecule permeation flux decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an ultra-thin separation layer with a thickness of 300 nm or less, which acts as a flexible thin film that provides sufficient selectivity while minimizing transport resistance. This thin film approach allows gas molecules to pass through more easily while still maintaining the high affinity for carbon dioxide separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thickness parameter of the separation layer to 300 nm or less, which fundamentally alters the transport characteristics. This parameter change reduces the diffusion path length for gas molecules while maintaining the selective affinity for carbon dioxide, thereby improving both selectivity and flux.
2Reliability
If a protective layer is provided on the substrate surface, then membrane durability is improved, but gas molecule permeation flux decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is designed as an ultra-thin film with a thickness of 15 nm or less, which provides surface protection and durability while minimizing its impact on gas permeation. The thin film structure maintains mechanical integrity without creating significant transport resistance for gas molecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is applied locally only on the substrate surface where it is needed for protection, rather than throughout the entire membrane structure. This localized approach ensures durability at the gas entry/exit points while maintaining high permeability in the bulk separation layer.
3Reliability
If the separation layer thickness is increased to improve selectivity, then carbon dioxide separation performance is improved, but permeation flux decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the thickness parameter of the separation layer to 300 nm or less, which is sufficiently thin to allow high flux while maintaining the necessary selectivity. This precise parameter control achieves the optimal balance between separation performance and permeation rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane uses a composite structure combining a porous substrate with a thin separation layer containing high-affinity materials. This composite approach provides both the mechanical support needed for structural integrity and the selective separation function, achieving high performance without requiring a thick separation layer.
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
The membrane efficiently captures carbon dioxide from low-concentration mixed gases with improved permeation flux and selectivity, achieving high CO2/N2 selectivity and CO2 permeation flux.
Implementation Method 1
a separation layer provided on a surface of the protective layer and containing a substance having a high affinity for carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
a protective layer provided on a surface of the substrate and having a higher density than the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide separation membrane according to the disclosure includes: a porous substrate; a protective layer provided on a surface of the substrate and having a higher density than the substrate; and a separation layer provided on a surface of the protective layer and containing a substance having a high affinity for carbon dioxide, wherein the protective layer has a thickness of 15 nm or less, and the separation layer has a thickness of 300 nm or less.