PVP-Containing Composite Membrane for Ethanol-Gasoline Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective composite membranes that can selectively separate liquids, such as ethanol from gasoline mixtures, with improved permeability and durability, as existing membranes lack efficiency in separating polar from nonpolar liquids effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of composite membranes with a porous substrate and a polymer composition, specifically a PVP-containing or PVL-containing polymer layer, which is more permeable to ethanol than gasoline, and optionally includes ionic liquids or an amorphous fluorochemical film for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional membranes are used for liquid separation, then the membrane structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the membrane lacks effectiveness in selectively separating polar from nonpolar liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a porous substrate with a polymer composition layer containing PVP, PVL, or ionic liquids. This composite structure integrates the mechanical support function of the substrate with the selective separation function of the polymer layer, achieving effective separation of polar from nonpolar liquids while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a polymer composition layer with specific chemical properties (polarity, hydrophilicity) only in the regions where separation occurs. The polymer layer is disposed in and/or on the porous substrate, concentrating the separation functionality in the active layer while the substrate provides structural support, thus improving separation effectiveness without requiring the entire membrane structure to be complex
2Productivity
If existing membranes are used for liquid separation, then the membrane is simple in structure, but the membrane lacks improved permeability and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous materials by employing a porous substrate with controlled pore structure and filling/disposing a polymer composition within the pores. The porous structure provides pathways for liquid permeation while the polymer composition modulates selectivity, achieving improved permeability through the synergistic combination of pore architecture and polymer chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the membrane (incorporating PVP, PVL, ionic liquids) to alter permeability and selectivity characteristics. The polymer composition parameters (type, concentration, molecular weight) are optimized to achieve desired separation performance, transforming the membrane from a simple physical barrier to a chemically-tuned separation medium
3Reliability
If conventional membranes are used, then the membrane is easy to manufacture, but the membrane lacks durability in harsh conditions like hot gasoline environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous substrate that can be relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture, while the durable polymer composition layer (PVP, PVL, ionic liquids) is applied as a functional coating. This approach allows the use of inexpensive, easily-manufactured substrate materials while achieving durability through the chemically-resistant polymer layer, separating the structural and functional requirements
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
These membranes demonstrate improved ethanol selectivity and flux, maintaining performance even in harsh conditions like hot gasoline environments, making them suitable for applications in fuel separation systems.
Implementation Method 1
selectively pervaporating a first liquid from a mixture that includes the first liquid and a second liquid
Implementation Method 2
the polymer composition is more permeable to the first liquid (e.g., alcohol) than the second liquid (e.g., gasoline)
Data Source
AI summary
A composite membrane for selectively pervaporating a first liquid from a mixture comprising the first liquid and a second liquid. The composite membrane includes a porous substrate comprising opposite first and second major surfaces, and a plurality of pores. A pore-filling polymer is disposed in at least some of the pores so as to form a layer having a thickness within the porous substrate. The polymer is more permeable to the first liquid than the second liquid but not soluble in the first liquid or the second liquid. The composite membrane may be asymmetric or symmetric with respect to the amount of pore-filling polymer throughout the thickness of the porous substrate.