Zwitterionic Absorbent Materials for Ambient Miscible Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating miscible liquids, such as distillation and liquid-liquid extraction, are energy-intensive and inefficient, particularly for separating azeotropes and components with similar boiling points.
Innovation Solution
The use of absorbent materials comprising zwitterionic polymers that selectively absorb one fluid from a mixture of fluids with different polarities, allowing for separation under ambient conditions without the need for energy inputs like heat or pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used to separate miscible liquids, then separation can be achieved based on boiling point differences, but energy consumption increases and it becomes inefficient for components with similar boiling points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from thermal-based (distillation) to solubility-based (liquid-liquid extraction). By using an extractant with selective solubility for different components, the process operates at ambient temperature without requiring heating to boiling points, thus dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an extractant as an intermediary substance that facilitates separation. This extractant selectively dissolves specific components from the miscible liquid mixture based on solubility differences, enabling separation without direct thermal input. The extractant acts as a mediator that transfers selected components from the feed mixture to the extract phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid-liquid extraction is used to separate azeotropes, then separation of components with overlapping boiling points is achieved, but contact between feed liquid and extractant requires energy-intensive ultrasonication or emulsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a stationary phase extractant that automatically provides large surface area contact with the feed liquid mixture without requiring external energy input. The porous structure or immobilized nature of the extractant allows feed liquid to percolate through and interact with the extractant phases, enabling spontaneous mass transfer and separation based on solubility differences.
3Use of energy by moving object
If membrane-based technologies are used for separation, then energy consumption is reduced by operating at ambient temperature, but membranes alone cannot separate miscible components without coupling with other techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges membrane technology with liquid-liquid extraction capabilities. The membrane support structure is integrated with a stationary phase extractant that has selective solubility for different components. This hybrid system combines the low energy operation of membranes with the selective separation capability of extraction, enabling effective separation of miscible components including azeotropes at ambient temperature.
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 separation of miscible fluids, including azeotropes, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with high separation efficiency and minimal energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the absorbent material selectively absorbs the first fluid to provide a permeate comprising the first fluid and a retentate comprising the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of separating a mixture of fluids may comprise contacting an absorbent material with a mixture of fluids comprising a first fluid and a second fluid having different polarities, wherein the absorbent material selectively absorbs the first fluid to provide a permeate comprising the first fluid and a retentate comprising the second fluid. The absorbent material comprises a zwitterionic polymer, the zwitterionic polymer being a polymerization product of reactants comprising a zwitterionic monomer and a (meth)acrylate crosslinker. The zwitterionic monomer is selected from the group consisting of: a zwitterionic monomer of Formula I, R—(CH2)m—NR′2+—(CH2)n-A−, wherein R is selected from a carboxyamide, a (meth)acrylate, and an alkyl; m is an integer of from 0 to 5; each R′ is independently selected from hydrogen and an alkyl; n is an integer of from 1 to 5; and A− is SO3− or CO2−; a zwitterionic monomer of Formula II, R—(CH2)m-A−-(CH2)n—NR′3+, wherein R is an (meth)acrylate; m is an integer of from 1 to 5; A is PO4−; n is an integer of from 1 to 5; and each R′ is independently selected from hydrogen and an alkyl; carboxybetaine diacrylamide; (3-methacryloylamino-propyl)-(2-carboxy-ethyl)-dimethylammonium; 3-[Dimethyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate; 1-methylpyridinium 3-sulfonate; and combinations thereof.