Cross-Linked Polymeric Membranes for Stable Organic Solvent Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes face challenges with chemical stability in harsh organic solvents and often require hazardous and toxic solvents for manufacturing, which is environmentally unfriendly and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method for forming a cross-linked polymeric membrane using a polymeric membrane contacted with a cross-linking solution containing at least one cross-linker with three halide-containing groups, such as trimesoyl chloride, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional PBI membranes are used to achieve chemical stability in harsh organic solvents, then chemical stability is improved, but hazardous and toxic solvents and chemicals are required for manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidhazardous and toxic solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cross-linking process by using non-toxic cross-linking agents (such as glutaraldehyde, genipin, or calcium carbonate) instead of traditional toxic agents. This allows the membrane to achieve the desired chemical stability and cross-linking density without introducing harmful substances during manufacturing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by cross-linking PBI chains through non-toxic agents, forming a three-dimensional network within the membrane matrix. This composite approach maintains the chemical stability of PBI while using environmentally benign cross-linking agents, eliminating the need for hazardous solvents in the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If polybenzimidazole membranes are used to achieve good rejection rates, then separation performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to hazardous chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverejection ratesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the economic and chemical parameters of the manufacturing process by substituting expensive and hazardous cross-linking agents with cheaper, non-toxic alternatives. This reduces both material costs and waste treatment costs while maintaining the membrane's rejection performance through effective cross-linking of PBI chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive cross-linking agents such as calcium carbonate or genipin that can be easily disposed of or degraded after use, eliminating the need for expensive and complex waste treatment processes. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while significantly reducing ease of manufacture barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional OSN membrane manufacturing methods are used, then separation capability is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to toxic chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the cross-linking process by using biodegradable and non-toxic agents such as genipin, glutaraldehyde (at controlled concentrations), or calcium carbonate. These agents maintain the membrane's separation capability through effective cross-linking while being environmentally friendly and easily removable from the final product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of cross-linking agents into a benefit by selecting agents that, while necessary for creating the cross-linked structure, are themselves non-toxic or easily degradable. The cross-linking process, which could introduce harmful residues, is instead performed using substances that enhance environmental friendliness while maintaining separation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 resulting cross-linked polymeric membrane exhibits improved chemical stability in organic solvents, high rejection rates for solutes with molecular weights between 150-2000 g/mole, and is hydrophilic, making it suitable for OSN and other separation applications.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the polymeric membrane with a cross-linking solution comprising at least one cross-linker to form the cross-linked polymeric membrane, wherein the at least one cross-linker comprises at least three halide-containing groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12343685B2Cross-linked polymeric membrane

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SEPPURE PTE LTD

AI summary

There is provided a method of forming a cross-linked polymeric membrane, the method comprising: providing a polymeric membrane; and contacting the polymeric membrane with a cross-linking solution comprising at least one cross-linker to form the cross-linked polymeric membrane, wherein the at least one cross-linker comprises at least three halide-containing groups. There is also provided a cross-linked polymeric membrane.