Gas-Separation Membranes Using EO-PO Monomers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gas-separation membranes lack the necessary strength, flexibility, and efficiency for effectively discriminating between polar and non-polar gases, while also requiring toxicologically acceptable and cost-effective production methods.

Innovation Solution

A gas-separation membrane is developed using a composition comprising curable monomers with a high percentage of oxyethylene and oxypropylene groups, which are randomly distributed to form a polymer layer that is non-porous and has a high permeability, allowing for efficient separation of gases by curing a composition with EO-PO monomers and optional further monomers, initiators, and inert solvents, applied to a porous support for enhanced mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas-separation membranes are made with high permeability for efficient gas separation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the mechanical strength and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas separation efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane strength and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the polymerization product of oxyethylene-containing monomers with a porous support structure. This composite approach allows the membrane to achieve high gas separation efficiency through the polymer layer while the porous support provides the necessary mechanical strength and flexibility, thus resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous materials for the support structure, which allows the membrane to maintain high permeability for gas separation while the porous architecture provides mechanical integrity. The porous support enables the thin polymer layer to function effectively for gas separation without compromising the overall membrane strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Manufacturing precision

If gas-separation membranes are designed to discriminate well between polar and non-polar gases, then the selectivity is improved, but the permeability to non-polar gases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discrimination selectivityVSAvoidoverall gas permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the composition and structure of the polymerization product, specifically the content and distribution of oxyethylene groups. By adjusting these parameters, the membrane achieves enhanced polarity for better discrimination between polar and non-polar gases while maintaining adequate overall permeability through optimized structural parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If membranes are produced using traditional methods, then the production process is established, but the production speed and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction process stabilityVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical production methods with a chemical polymerization process that can be continuously operated. The polymerization product formation through chemical reactions allows for faster production cycles compared to traditional mechanical membrane fabrication, thereby increasing production speed while maintaining process stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions in the polymerization process, where monomers transition to polymer form through controlled chemical reactions. This phase change approach enables efficient material transformation and film formation, facilitating higher production speeds while maintaining manufacturing stability through controlled reaction conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 achieves high permeability and selectivity for polar gases, maintaining stability with liquids and vapors, and can be produced efficiently at high speeds using water-based processes, resulting in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Implementation Method 1

a high permeability, allowing for efficient separation of gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

curing a composition comprising one or more curable monomer(s) of which at least 30 wt % are monomer(s) comprising oxyethylene groups, oxypropylene groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

a porous support for enhanced mechanical strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Data Source

PatentUS20230115618A1Gas-Separation Membranes

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 FUJIFILM MANUFACTURING EUROPE BV

AI summary

A gas-separation membrane obtainable from curing a composition comprising one or more curable monomers at least 30 wt % of which are monomer(s) comprising oxyethylene groups, oxypropylene groups and at least two polymerizable groups.