Organic-Inorganic Composite Membrane for Olefin Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic-inorganic composites face issues such as deterioration in separation performance under high pressure, silver aggregation, and low separation efficiency for gases, particularly due to inadequate binding of organic polymers with inorganic frameworks and insufficient silver content.

Innovation Solution

An organic-inorganic composite is developed with specific ratios of metal and silver atoms to carbon atoms, determined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, using organic compounds with carbonyl groups and inorganic compounds containing Si, Ti, Al, or Zr, which enhances binding and prevents silver aggregation, improving separation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high silver content is used to improve separation performance, then affinity for olefin gases increases, but silver aggregation occurs causing membrane defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidsilver aggregation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic oxide framework acts as an intermediary carrier for silver ions. Silver ions are embedded within the inorganic framework structure rather than being directly dispersed in the organic polymer, preventing aggregation while maintaining separation functionality. The inorganic framework mediates between the organic polymer matrix and silver components, enabling stable distribution of silver at higher concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining organic polymer, inorganic oxide framework, and silver ions. This multi-component composite allows the silver to be stabilized within the inorganic framework while the organic polymer provides the membrane matrix, achieving both high silver content for separation performance and prevention of aggregation through the composite architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If organic polymer is heated at high temperature to bind with SiO2 framework, then binding strength increases, but silver component aggregates causing separation performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding strengthVSAvoidseparation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The silver ions are incorporated into the inorganic oxide framework before the final membrane formation and binding processes. This preliminary incorporation ensures silver is already stabilized in the framework structure before any heat treatment or binding steps occur, preventing aggregation during the binding process while still achieving strong polymer-framework adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If organic membrane is used to achieve good separation performance, then affinity for gases improves, but membrane swells under high pressure causing performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidmembrane swelling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid composite structure combines organic polymer with inorganic oxide framework, creating a material that exhibits both the gas affinity of organic materials and the dimensional stability of inorganic materials. The inorganic framework provides structural rigidity that prevents swelling under high pressure while the organic polymer maintains gas separation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite 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

The composite exhibits improved stability and separation performance under high-pressure conditions, with enhanced affinity for olefin gases and reduced defects, allowing for efficient gas separation and maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an organic-inorganic composite including an organic compound having a carbonyl group, an inorganic compound containing a metal component, and a silver component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

both ratios determined by first performing an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement at 10 points on the surface of the organic-inorganic composite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the ratio of the number of silver atoms in the silver component to the number of carbon atoms in the organic compound is from 0.07 to 0.55

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

separation performance for fluids such as gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3124549B1Organic-inorganic composite, structure, and method for producing organic-inorganic composite
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP3124549B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3124549B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3124549B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The organic-inorganic composite of the present invention includes an organic compound having a carbonyl group, an inorganic compound containing a metal component, and a silver component. The ratio of the number of metal atoms in the inorganic compound to the number of carbon atoms in the organic compound is from 0.04 to 1.60, and the ratio of the number of silver atoms in the silver component to the number of carbon atoms in the organic compound is from 0.07 to 0.55. The organic-inorganic composite may include, for example, an inorganic compound having a metal matrix structure containing a metal M and oxygen, an organic compound having a carbonyl group, and silver ions. The carbonyl group is bonded to a side chain R1 of the organic compound and has an end group R2.