Metal-Functionalized Inorganic Membrane for Unsaturated Compound Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation methods are ineffective for separating mixtures of organic compounds with similar structural and physical properties, such as saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids, due to their similar molecular weights and functional groups, limiting their industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of an efficient membrane-based separation method using an inorganic membrane functionalized with a metal M2, which allows for the separation of organic compounds differing in the number and/or position of unsaturated double bonds by contacting the mixture with a membrane comprising a hydroxide or oxide of a first metal M1 and a metal M2 ion solution, resulting in the separation of compounds with higher and lower degrees of unsaturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional membrane separation methods are used, then the process is simple and low-cost, but the separation effectiveness is poor for compounds with similar properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the membrane's chemical properties by incorporating metal ions (M1 and M2) with specific coordination capabilities. This changes the separation mechanism from physical size-based filtration to chemical interaction-based selective binding, enabling effective separation of compounds with similar physical properties but different unsaturation degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite membrane structure combining inorganic metal oxides/hydroxides (M1) with metal ion functional groups (M2). This composite material integrates the mechanical stability of inorganic membranes with the selective binding capability of metal ions, achieving both simplicity and high separation effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If separation methods based on molecular weight, boiling point, or solubility are used, then the process is conventional and readily available, but the purification precision is insufficient for highly similar compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metal ions (M1 and M2) as intermediary substances that mediate the separation process. These metal ions act as selective binders that temporarily interact with unsaturated compounds through coordination bonds, enabling differentiation based on unsaturation degree rather than relying on direct physical property differences between compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation methods (based on size, boiling point, or solubility differences) with a chemical interaction-based separation mechanism. The metal ion-functionalized membrane uses chemical coordination to selectively bind and separate unsaturated compounds, substituting physical separation with chemical selectivity.
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
This method effectively separates and enriches organic compounds with different degrees of unsaturation, enabling the production of high-purity fractions, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing separation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is functionalized with at least one metal M2... contacting said mixture with a membrane... wherein said membrane is functionalized with at least one (second) metal M2... ensures separation of said at least two organic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane based separation method is for the separation or enrichment of one or more unsaturated compounds from mixtures of chemically similar organic compounds having a different degree of unsaturation, using a membrane, such as an inorganic membrane, functionalized with a metal, such as silver. An inorganic membrane, preferably modified or grafted with an organic functional group, is further functionalized with a metal, such as silver, for use in the membrane based separation methods.