Atomically Precise Membranes for the Separation of Hydrocarbons

Separations often account for a majority of process costs. This is because all traditional separation processes have inherent weaknesses that prevent the system from achieving perfect (or even near perfect in many instances) selectivity. These weaknesses result in large recycle streams and require multiple separation units in concert in order to produce a product clean enough for use or sale. An atomically-precise membrane capable of allowing passage to only certain molecules would greatly improve process economics. Systems like this could replace fractional distillation in the petroleum industry and myriad purification systems in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries with inexpensive, energy-efficient, atomically precise membrane systems. In Phase I we completed the synthesis and characterization of two porous channel-displaying molecules and formed membranes using a Langmuir trough. We used atomic force microscopy to determine that the membranes were one molecule thick. We also developed synthetic strategies for covalently linking channel-molecules to porous supports in order to fabricate functional membranes that can withstand process conditions. In Phase II we will scale-up the synthesis of the channel-molecules and manufacture several membranes and characterize their performance with a variety of substrate mixtures. Systems like this could replace fractional distillation in the petroleum industry and myriad purification systems in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries with inexpensive, ultra-low-energy consumption, atomically precise membrane systems. The commercial applications of these membranes are immense and include pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, and the food industry. The public will benefit from lower cost goods as a result of more efficient manufacturing processes. The public will also benefit from the reduced emissions of processes made more efficient by these membranes.