Supported Membrane with Cyano-Bridged Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating radioactive effluents require separate steps for filtering solid particles and extracting metal cations, leading to inefficiencies and limitations such as high effluent volumes, limited resin capacity, and degradation of organic ion exchange resins under irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A supported membrane comprising an inorganic, solid, porous filtration membrane with nanoparticles of a cyano-bridged metal coordination polymer, where metal cations are bound through an organometallic or coordination bond to an organic graft attached inside the membrane pores, allowing simultaneous filtration of solid particles and extraction of metal cations like caesium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate steps are used for filtering solid particles and extracting metal cations, then each step can be optimized independently, but the overall process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solid particle filtration and metal cation extraction into a single membrane structure. The membrane contains both porous structures for physical filtration and functional groups (such as ion exchange sites or adsorption sites) for metal cation extraction, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously in one step rather than requiring separate filtration and extraction processes
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed with multi-functional properties: it simultaneously provides mechanical filtration for solid particles, ion exchange capacity for metal cations, and structural stability. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components and streamlines the entire decontamination process
2Reliability
If organic ion exchange resins are used for metal cation extraction, then extraction capacity is improved, but the resins degrade under irradiation from radioactive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inorganic materials such as metal oxides (e.g., iron oxide, manganese oxide) or inorganic polymers that serve as stable alternatives to organic resins. These inorganic functional materials maintain their structural and chemical integrity under radiological conditions, eliminating the degradation problem while preserving extraction capacity through mechanisms such as adsorption and ion exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane integrates inorganic functional materials with a porous support structure to create a composite system. The inorganic functional particles or coatings are embedded within the porous matrix, combining the extraction capabilities of inorganic materials with the structural benefits of the porous support, resulting in a radiation-resistant material that maintains extraction capacity
3Productivity
If co-precipitation is used to remove solid particles and radioelements, then multiple pollutants can be removed simultaneously, but the effluent volume increases and particle recovery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes solid particles and metal cations directly from the liquid effluent through the membrane's filtration and extraction functions. By continuously removing contaminants as they pass through the membrane, the system prevents accumulation of effluent volume and enables straightforward recovery of removed particles through simple filtration operations rather than complex co-precipitation processes
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 approach enables efficient, single-step separation and extraction of metal cations and solid particles, increasing decontamination rates and reducing head losses, with improved chemical and radiation resistance, and the ability to handle complex solutions.
Implementation Method 1
metal cations are bound through an organometallic or coordination bond to an organic graft chemically attached inside the pores
Implementation Method 2
inorganic, solid, porous filter membrane supported by an inorganic solid, porous support
Implementation Method 3
nanoparticles of a cyano-bridged metal coordination polymer containing metal cations and hexa- and octacyanometallate anions
Data Source
AI summary
A supported membrane is provided comprising an inorganic, solid porous filtration membrane supported by an inorganic, solid porous support, said supported membrane comprising nanoparticles of a metal coordination polymer with CN ligands comprising Mn+ cations, where M is a transition metal and n is 2 or 3; and Alk+y[M′(CN)m]x− anions where Alk is an alkaline metal, y is 0, 1 or 2, M′ is a transition metal, x is 3 or 4, and m is 6 or 8; said Mn+ cations of the coordination polymer being bound through an organometallic or coordination bond to an organic group of an organic graft chemically attached to the surface of the filtration membrane, inside the pores of the filtration membrane, and optionally inside the pores of the support. The supported membrane may be used in a process for separating at least one metal cation and solid particles from a liquid medium containing the same.