Dynamic Polymer Membranes for CO2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer membranes for gas separation face challenges in achieving high selectivity and permeability while being cost-effective and easily modifiable, with existing membranes often requiring changes in chemical nature or monomer content to adjust selectivity, and they tend to degrade quickly.
Innovation Solution
Development of self-supported dynamic polymer membranes with recurring units integrated with metal ions, such as Zn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Ag+, which form reversible complexes, allowing for modulation of selectivity and improved CO2 permeability, and are prepared through a simple and inexpensive process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polymer membranes are used for gas separation, then selectivity is improved, but permeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymer membranes combining polyethylene oxide (PEO) with epichlorohydrin (EP) and metal salts to create a material that achieves both high selectivity and high permeability. The composite structure allows the PEO component to provide selective CO2 binding while the EP component maintains membrane integrity and permeability, resolving the traditional trade-off between selectivity and permeability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the membrane by incorporating metal ions (such as Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+) that form complexation sites for CO2. By changing the metal ion type, concentration, and PEO/EP ratio, the membrane's selectivity and permeability parameters are optimized simultaneously, allowing high CO2 selectivity (up to 50) while maintaining acceptable permeability
2Measurement precision
If selectivity of polymer membranes is modulated by changing monomer content, then selectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables selectivity modulation by changing the metal ion type (Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Ag+) and the PEO/EP ratio rather than changing the fundamental monomer chemistry. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity because the same base polymers and standard metal salts are used, requiring only parameter adjustments in the formulation rather than developing entirely new monomer synthesis pathways
3Productivity
If inorganic membranes are used for gas separation, then permeability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates organic-inorganic composite membranes by incorporating metal salts into the polymer matrix. This composite approach allows the membrane to achieve permeability levels approaching inorganic membranes while maintaining the cost advantages of organic polymer processing and using relatively inexpensive metal salts, thus resolving the cost-permeability trade-off
4Measurement precision
If glassy polymer membranes are used, then selectivity is improved, but mechanical durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the glass transition temperature (Tg) parameter of the polymer by selecting PEO and EP components with appropriate Tg values and by incorporating metal ions that can plasticize or crosslink the matrix. This allows achieving high CO2 selectivity while maintaining flexibility and durability, avoiding the brittleness problem of conventional glassy polymers
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 membranes exhibit high thermal stability, improved CO2 permeability, and adjustable selectivity, enabling efficient separation of gas mixtures, particularly carbon dioxide, with the ability to recycle and reduce environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least 50% by number of said subunits of formula (I G ) present in said polymer form a complex with a transition metal ion
Implementation Method 2
which form reversible complexes, allowing for modulation of selectivity and improved CO2 permeability
Implementation Method 3
improved CO2 permeability, and adjustable selectivity, enabling efficient separation of gas mixtures
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to polyimine self-supported dynamic polymeric membranes ("dynameric" membranes), to the method for preparing same, and to the use thereof in separation methods, particularly in separating gaseous species.