Gas Separation Membranes with Crosslinked Polysiloxane Buffer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas separation membranes (GSMs) experience significant selectivity loss and deformation under high feeding pressures and temperatures when separating polar and non-polar gases, particularly when in contact with macroporous spacer elements, leading to reduced separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation membrane comprising a support layer, a crosslinked polysiloxane layer, a discriminating layer with specific M-(O—)x groups, and optionally a fluorinated polymer and protective layer, where the discriminating layer is located between the support and polysiloxane layers, with a carbon-to-silicon atomic ratio of 1.6 to 1.98 and at least 10% M groups on the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas separation membranes are used to separate polar gases from non-polar gases under high feeding pressures and temperatures, then gas separation is achieved, but selectivity drops significantly over time due to membrane deformation and imprinting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and structure of the membrane material by incorporating specific functional groups (M-(O-)x where M is metal or metalloid and x≥4) and controlling the C/Si atomic ratio (1.6-1.98) in the polysiloxane layer. These parameter changes enhance the membrane's resistance to deformation and imprinting under high pressure and temperature conditions, thereby maintaining selectivity over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite membrane structure consisting of multiple layers including a support layer, a crosslinked polysiloxane layer with specific C/Si ratio, and a discriminating layer containing M-(O-)x groups. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both mechanical stability (resistance to deformation) and functional performance (selectivity maintenance) under harsh operating conditions
2Strength
If macroporous spacer elements are used in contact with gas separation membranes, then structural support is provided, but the spacer elements deform and imprint their pattern onto the membrane, reducing selectivity and separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the membrane material, specifically the crosslinking density and composition of the polysiloxane layer (controlling C/Si ratio), to increase the membrane's mechanical strength and dimensional stability. This enables the membrane to resist deformation from macroporous spacers while maintaining its selective separation properties
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked polysiloxane layer with controlled C/Si ratio acts as an intermediary buffer layer between the macroporous spacer and the discriminating layer. This intermediate layer absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress from the spacer, preventing direct imprinting on the selective membrane layer while maintaining structural support
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 maintains selectivity and resistance to deformation under high pressures and temperatures, enhancing gas separation efficiency by minimizing imprinting and damage from macroporous spacers.
Implementation Method 1
a discriminating layer comprising groups of the Formula (1): M-(O—)x wherein: M is a metal or metalloid atom; O is an oxygen atom; and x has a value of at least 4
Implementation Method 2
the discriminating layer comprises a surface comprising at least 10 atomic % of M of Formula (1) groups
Implementation Method 3
layer (ii) comprises a crosslinked polysiloxane
Implementation Method 4
a layer comprising a crosslinked polysiloxane
Implementation Method 5
the membrane maintains selectivity and resistance to deformation under high pressures and temperatures, enhancing gas separation efficiency by minimizing imprinting and damage from macroporous spacers
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation membrane comprising the following layers: (i) a support layer; (ii) a layer comprising a crosslinked polysiloxane; (iii) a discriminating layer comprising groups of the Formula (1): M-(O—)x, wherein: M is a metal or metalloid atom; O is an oxygen atom; and x has a value of at least 4; (iv) optionally a layer which comprises a fluorinated polymer; and (v) optionally a protective layer; wherein: (a) layer (ii) has an atomic ratio of carbon to silicon of 1.6 to 1.98; (b) the discriminating layer comprises a surface comprising at least 10 atomic % of M of Formula (1) groups, wherein M is as hereinbefore defined; and (b) layer (ii) is located between layers (i) and (iii).