Molecular Separations Using Micro-Defect Free Ultra Thin Films

Gasification can provide the best path for development of power based on clean coal, as well as the conversion of coal to other fuels and specialty chemicals. The problem is that current technologies are too expensive. In particular, more efficient methods of CO2 separation from other gasses are required. One of these other gasses is methane, which can be used as a natural gas substitute. Current methods for separating carbon dioxide from methane are energy and cost intensive. A defect-free, thin-molecular sieve film would provide an inexpensive means for separating methane from carbon dioxide. However, past efforts to develop this technology have been hindered by the defect fissures that always accompany these thin film membranes when they are fabricated using techniques that are economically practical. This project will develop technology for eliminating the defect fissures in thin film molecular sieve membranes and will provide a means for fabricating these membranes in an economically practical way. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The increasing price of natural gas, along with a diminishing domestic supply, creates an incentive for developing a low-cost replacement. Gasification-based production of methane via the utilization of abundant, low cost, domestic coal offers one means to address these concerns. The low cost removal of CO2 from methane would be of a great benefit to the U.S. economy.