Chemically Stable Nanocomposite Hydrophilic Inorganic Pervaporation Membrane Modules

78490S Dehydration of azeotropic or thermally labile solutions is a common operation in industrial chemical manufacture, but is achieved only through very energy-intensive separation processes. Energy-efficient hydrophilic pervaporation membranes have begun to penetrate these applications, but more cost-effective membrane modules with improved chemical durability are required to displace most conventional dehydration process schemes. This project will develop and demonstrate nanocomposite hydrophilic inorganic pervaporation membrane modules that have low costs, excellent chemical durability, and outstanding thermal resistance. In Phase I, nanocomposite microporous membranes with enhanced chemical durability will be fabricated on small supports and will be tested for the pervaporative separation of water from an isopropanol-water feed in short-term screening experiments. The durability of these membranes with respect to hydrolysis will be demonstrated via accelerated lifetime tests. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications for the pervaporation technology should include dehydration of industrial solvents, labile pharmaceutical compounds, and bio-derived fuels such as ethanol. The primary benefits of this technology compared to existing dehydration technologies would be significantly reduced energy and operating costs, lower capital costs, and reduction in environmental impact.