Ionic Liquid Polymeric Membranes for CO2 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymeric membranes used in gaseous permeation for CO2 separation from natural gas have performance limitations, particularly at high CO2 concentrations, leading to inefficiencies in gas treatment processes.

Innovation Solution

Development of polymeric membranes containing protic ionic liquids, such as N-methylethanolamine derivatives, which are impregnated into polymers like PVA and PEBAX to enhance CO2 selectivity and permeability, allowing for effective CO2 extraction from natural gas at high pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polymeric membranes are used for CO2 separation, then the membrane structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the CO2 selectivity and permeability are insufficient at high CO2 concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 selectivityVSAvoidmembrane composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite membranes formed by impregnating polymeric matrices (such as PVA and PEBAX) with ionic liquids. This composite structure combines the mechanical stability of polymers with the high CO2 selectivity of ionic liquids, achieving superior separation performance at high CO2 concentrations while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the membrane by incorporating ionic liquids with specific functional groups that enhance CO2 affinity. This changes the membrane's interaction properties with CO2 molecules, significantly improving selectivity and permeability without compromising mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chemical extraction of CO2 is used, then CO2 separation is effective, but the process requires thermal recovery of absorbent solvents making it energetically costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-based chemical extraction process with a mechanical membrane separation process. Gas permeation through the ionic liquid-containing membrane occurs driven by pressure differential alone, eliminating the need for thermal recovery of solvents and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective CO2 separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stress or pressure

If polymeric membranes are used for gaseous permeation, then the process operates at high pressures, but performance limitations occur when CO2 concentration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating pressureVSAvoidmembrane performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the membrane by incorporating ionic liquids with high CO2 affinity. This modification enables the membrane to maintain high performance and selectivity even at elevated CO2 concentrations and operating pressures, overcoming the limitations of conventional polymeric membranes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 demonstrate improved CO2 selectivity and permeability, enabling efficient CO2 extraction from natural gas with high CO2 concentrations, while maintaining mechanical stability and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Processes for the preparation of polymeric membranes containing ionic liquids and their derivatives for the sequestration of co2 from natural gas by gaseous permeation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGaseous permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

polymeric membranes containing protic ionic liquids, such as N-methylethanolamine derivatives, which are impregnated into polymers like PVA and PEBAX to enhance CO2 selectivity and permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250186950A1Processes for the preparation of polymeric membranes containing ionic liquids and their derivatives for the sequestration of co2 from natural gas by gaseous permeation and polymeric membranes obtained by these processes

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present invention refers to processes for the preparation of polymeric membranes, which can be nanostructured hybrids, containing ionic liquids and their derivatives for sequestration of CO2 from natural gas by gaseous permeation, and its referred membranes. The membranes of the present invention can be dense flat membranes, or composite asymmetric flat membranes. The invention can be applied in oil and gas extraction and renewable energies, for example, in existing gas treatment plants on off-shore platforms, replacing existing conventional polymeric membranes, as well as in new gas treatment plant designs that use polymeric membranes as natural gas purification technology, or treatment of exhausted gas streams.