Molecularly Porous Cross-Linked Membranes for OSN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane technologies for organic solvent nanofiltration face challenges in achieving high selectivity and stability due to poor adhesion and aggregation of microporous additives, and limited solubility of macrocyclic host building blocks, which affects cross-linking and scalability.
Innovation Solution
The development of molecularly porous cross-linked membranes (MPCMs) using reactive macrocycle monomers like trianglamine, which are cross-linked via interfacial polymerization to create a hyper-cross-linked network providing permanent channels for solvent permeance and stability, with a high degree of cross-linking for harsh organic solvent environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microporous materials are incorporated as fillers in the polymer matrix to provide intrinsic molecular transport channels, then solvent permeability is facilitated, but poor adhesion and aggregation occur leading to nonselective voids that decrease separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microporous structure and the polymer matrix into a single integrated phase-separated morphology, where microporous domains are continuously connected within the polymer matrix. This eliminates the need for discrete filler particles and their associated adhesion problems, while maintaining both high permeability and selectivity through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite membrane structure with two distinct phases: microporous domains for transport and polymer matrix for selectivity. This composite morphology at the molecular level allows simultaneous achievement of high solvent permeability through pores and high separation performance through the polymer phase.
2Reliability
If macrocyclic host building blocks are used to improve selectivity and stability, then recognition and separation performance are enhanced, but limited solubility affects cross-linking and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameter of macrocyclic host building blocks by modifying their chemical structure or adding solubilizing groups, enabling them to dissolve adequately in the polymer matrix while maintaining their recognition capabilities. This allows effective cross-linking and scalable manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or processing conditions that facilitate the dissolution and cross-linking of macrocyclic hosts. These intermediaries enable the macrocycles to be incorporated into the membrane matrix without compromising their structural integrity or recognition function, thereby improving manufacturability.
3Productivity
If conventional membrane structures are used to achieve high permeability, then solvent transport is facilitated, but selectivity control at the nanoscale is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones within the membrane: microporous domains with specific size and connectivity for high permeability, and polymer matrix regions with tailored chemical composition and density for precise selectivity control. Each region is optimized for its specific function while working synergistically.
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 MPCMs exhibit high permeance and selectivity, maintaining stability in a wide range of organic solvents, and are scalable for industrial applications, outperforming state-of-the-art membranes in solvent permeance and selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
reactive macrocycles monomers, such as trianglamines are utilized to provide permanent channels for fast solvent permeance and multiple reacting sites for cross-linking permitting the fabrication of a hyper-cross-linked MPCM
Implementation Method 2
Considering the rigid and well-defined hollow cavity of cyclodextrins, the membrane was endowed with fast solvents permeance and shape selectivity for molecules
Implementation Method 3
The high degree of crosslinking promotes high stability in harsh organic solvent environments, which is ideal for OSN applications
Data Source
AI summary
Molecularly porous cross-linked membranes (MPCMs) are described. For example, MPCMs prepared by interfacial polymerization of a reactive macrocycle monomer with intrinsic microporous structure are provided. Macrocycles with multiple reacting sites for cross-linking provide a hyper-cross-linked network suitable for molecular separations employing polar or apolar solvents including organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN).