Gas Separation Membrane M-Oxide Surface for Humidity Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas separation membranes (GSMs) experience a significant drop in selectivity when used to separate polar gases from non-polar gases, especially under high humidity and high pressure conditions, leading to deformation and reduced efficiency due to imprinting with macroporous spacer elements.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation membrane comprising a porous support layer with low monovalent metal ions, a discriminating layer with a high concentration of M—(O)x groups, and optionally a fluorinated polymer layer, where the discriminating layer is formed through plasma deposition or treatment, maintaining selectivity even under high pressure and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas separation membranes are used under high pressure and humidity conditions to separate polar gases from non-polar gases, then gas separation capacity is improved, but selectivity drops significantly over time due to deformation and imprinting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a surface layer with specific chemical composition (M—(O—)x groups where x≥4) that differs from the bulk membrane material. This surface-modified layer provides enhanced resistance to deformation and imprinting under high pressure, while the bulk material maintains its gas separation functionality. The discriminating layer is specifically engineered at the surface where it contacts the macroporous spacer and experiences highest stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the porous support layer (providing mechanical strength) with a discriminating layer containing M—(O—)x groups (providing deformation resistance and selectivity). This composite structure allows the membrane to maintain both high gas separation capacity under pressure and sustained selectivity over time, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Strength
If the membrane structure is made more robust to resist deformation under high pressure, then resistance to imprinting is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reinforcement (which would increase structural complexity) with chemical modification. By introducing M—(O—)x groups (where M is metal or metalloid) into the surface layer, the membrane gains enhanced mechanical resistance to deformation and imprinting through chemical bonding and surface cross-linking, rather than through complex mechanical structures. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired strength.
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 high selectivity and resistance to deformation, ensuring consistent gas separation efficiency even under challenging conditions of high pressure and humidity.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the discriminating layer is formed through plasma deposition or treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation membrane comprising the following layers: (i) a porous support layer; and (ii) 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; optionally (iii) a layer which comprises a fluorinated polymer; and optionally (iv) optionally a protective layer; wherein: (a) the porous support layer (i) comprises less than 10 mg/m2 of monovalent metal ions; (b) the discriminating layer (ii) comprises a surface comprising at least 10 atomic % of M of Formula (1) groups, wherein M is as hereinbefore defined; and (c) when layer (iii) is present, layer (ii) is located between layers (i) and (iii).