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 conversion of coal to other fuels and specialty chemicals. However, development of clean coal technologies requires carbon capture. To accomplish this, more efficient methods of CO2 separation from other gases are required. Current methods for separating carbon dioxide are energy and cost intensive. Molecular sieve development has been pursued for several decades because of the great potential these membranes possess for high selectivity using less energy than cryogenic or distillation methods and greater permselectivity than is possible from polymeric membranes. The adoption of this technology has been hindered by the defect fissures that always accompany these membranes when fabricated using economically practical techniques. Eltron is developing a process for eliminating defects in thin molecular sieve films to provide an inexpensive means for separating methane from CO2. Eltron