Curable Poly(RTIL) Mixed-Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating CO2 from natural gas, such as amine scrubbing and membrane separation, face challenges including high energy costs, environmental risks, and limitations in permeability and selectivity, necessitating the development of novel materials and methods that combine the performance of ceramic membranes with the ease of polymer-based membranes.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a porous solid, a non-polymerizable room-temperature ionic liquid, and a polymer based on the ionic liquid with self-cross-linking groups, used to form a mixed-matrix membrane that selectively separates CO2 from natural gas, improving permeability and selectivity without requiring additional cross-linking agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer-based membranes are used for CO2 separation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but permeability and selectivity are limited by the Robeson upper bound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mixed-matrix membrane combining polymer matrix with ceramic particles (zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, or covalent organic frameworks). The polymer provides ease of manufacture and flexibility, while the ceramic particles provide high permeability and selectivity for CO2 separation, exceeding the Robeson upper bound limitations of pure polymer membranes.
2Reliability
If ceramic membranes made from zeolites are used, then permeability and selectivity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds ceramic particles (zeolites, MOFs, or COFs) as dispersed phases within a polymer matrix. This composite structure allows the membrane to achieve the high permeability and selectivity of ceramic membranes while maintaining the ease of manufacture and flexibility of polymer membranes, avoiding the complex manufacturing processes required for dense ceramic membranes.
3Reliability
If amine scrubbing is used for CO2 removal, then CO2 separation is achieved, but energy consumption and environmental risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal processing mechanism of amine scrubbing (which requires heating to strip CO2 from amine salts) with a membrane separation mechanism based on selective gas diffusion. This physical separation process occurs at ambient or near-ambient temperatures, eliminating the high energy consumption and environmental risks associated with thermal stripping and amine regeneration.
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 solution enhances CO2/CH4 separation performance, reduces membrane module requirements, and offers improved resistance to support penetration and faster gelation times, achieving competitive gas separation performance with existing high-performing membranes.
Implementation Method 1
the first gas component selectively diffuses to the opposite surface of the MMM as compared to second gas component, thus selectively removing the first gas component over the second gas component from the gas mixture
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes compositions and methods for promoting gas mixtures separations, such as a carbon dioxide and methane mixture. The composition of the invention is based on a curable polymerized room-temperature ionic liquid [poly(RTIL)].