Novel Nanoporous Polymer Membranes for Gas and Vapor Separation

78040S The separation of value-added products from hydrocarbons is a widespread, process in the energy industries process. This project will develop a new class of nanoporous polymer membranes that has exceptional permeation characteristics for hydrocarbon/hydrogen and hydrocarbon/methane separation in refinery and natural gas applications. In Phase I, a nanoporous, polydioxane-based polymer will be synthesized, and its gas sorption, diffusion, and permeability properties will be evaluated. Defect-free, thin-film composite membranes will be made and their pure- and mixed-gas permeation properties will be determined. The permeation data will be used in a preliminary technical and economic analysis for using the membranes in refinery and natural gas applications. In Phase II, the membranes will be scaled-up, made into commercial-size spiral-wound modules, and tested at refinery and natural gas field sites. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Currently, membrane separation has only a small share of the total hydrocarbon/hydrogen and hydrocarbon/methane separation market in refinery and natural gas applications. Membranes with improved permeability and selectivity should lower the cost of membrane processes and substantially increase the membrane market share.