Poly(ionic liquid) Composite Membrane for CO2 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite materials fail to achieve a balance between high CO2 capture and separation capabilities, along with desirable mechanical properties such as strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture, temperature, and chemicals.

Innovation Solution

The development of composite materials comprising an expanded porous membrane and poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), where the PILs are integrated into the membrane structure either as a coating on the nodes and fibrils or by filling the void volume, enhancing CO2 absorption, permeability, and selectivity while maintaining mechanical integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If PILs membranes are obtained directly via solvent casting, then CO2 absorption and selectivity are improved, but mechanical strength and handling ease deteriorate (brittle, difficult to handle)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 absorption capacityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where PILs are impregnated into a porous polymer matrix. The porous polymer provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the PILs provide CO2 absorption capacity and selectivity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses porous polymer membranes as the support structure. The porous structure allows PILs to be impregnated throughout the membrane while maintaining mechanical integrity. The porous matrix provides both structural support and pathways for gas transport, enabling the composite to achieve both strength and CO2 separation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If ionic liquid monomers are impregnated into porous polymer membrane support, then CO2 separation is improved, but pressure resistance deteriorates (fail beyond 1-2 atmospheres, leaking or blowing out)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separation capabilityVSAvoidpressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite where PILs are integrated into a robust porous polymer matrix. The polymer matrix provides structural integrity and pressure resistance, while the PILs provide CO2 separation functionality. This composite structure prevents the leaking and blowing out problems that occur with simple impregnated monomers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and integration method of the ionic liquid components. Instead of using loose monomers that can leak, the PILs are polymerized in situ within the porous matrix, creating a crosslinked network that is mechanically anchored. This parameter change from monomeric to polymeric state eliminates the pressure resistance problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If polymeric membranes are used for CO2 separation, then mechanical properties are maintained, but CO2 permeability and selectivity improvement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidCO2 permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces PILs with specific functional groups into the porous polymer matrix at strategic locations. These PILs create localized zones of high CO2 affinity and selective interaction within the membrane structure. This local modification of quality allows the membrane to achieve enhanced CO2 permeability and selectivity while the bulk polymer matrix maintains overall mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 composite materials exhibit superior performance with high CO2 absorption capacity, permeability, and CO2/N2 selectivity, combined with mechanical properties like strength, flexibility, and durability, making them suitable for harsh environments such as power plant flue gases.

Implementation Method 1

the composites exhibit superior performance properties including high CO2 absorption, permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

polymeric membranes physically permeate CO2 based on solution diffusion mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolution diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20250025830A1Poly(ionic liquid)s composite for absorption and separation

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

Provided herein are composite materials having an expanded porous membrane and a poly(ionic liquids)(PILs) which exhibit superior performance properties including high CO2 absorption, CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity in combination with desirable mechanical properties such as being thin, strong, moisture and temperature resistant, and having flexibility, strength, and durability, laminates and articles including the composites, and processes for manufacture of the composites.