A Novel Oxygen Separation Membrane for Oxygen Production

Oxygen is ranked among the top five in the production of commodity chemicals in the U.S. Hence, there is a strong market pull for developing high-energy-efficient, low-cost, high-flux oxygen separation technology. In addition, a pure-oxygen-assisted combustion process also would have implications for capturing CO2 emission from coal power plants, one of the major sources of CO2. However, the low energy efficiency and high cost of traditional oxygen-separation technology is preventing its widespread implementation. This project will develop a novel, high-selectivity, highly-efficient oxygen separation membrane. This membrane will be simple to make, suitable for making the membrane with any shape or dimension, and easily scaled up. In combination with low energy consumption, the membrane will be well positioned to meet the requirement for low-cost oxygen production. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Oxygen gas has found wide usage in the steel making industry, in nonferrous metallurgy, in varieties of chemical processes, in the paper industry, in waste water treatment plants, and in medical procedures for patients suffering impaired respiratory function. Therefore, a low-cost and highly-energy-efficient oxygen separation technology should have a huge economic impact on a wide range of industries.