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Novel Platform for Enhanced Membrane Reactors for Homogeneous Catalysis

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-06ER84529
Agency Tracking Number: 80321S06-I
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 23
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-05ER05-28
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
325 Water Street
Wilmington, DE 19804
United States
DUNS: 808898894
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Stuart Nemser
 Dr
 (302) 999-7996
 snemser@compactmembrane.com
Business Contact
 Stuart Nemser
Title: Dr
Phone: (302) 999-7996
Email: snemser@compactmembrane.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Membrane reactors have been proposed for a number of syntheses. However, to be competitive with conventional technologies, membrane reactors must provide better selectivity, permeability, and stability. This project will develop a novel platform with enhanced membrane permeability and stability, as needed for broad membrane reactor utilization. In Phase I, a chemically resistant membrane reactor, based on novel composite membranes, was fabricated. Large improvements in reaction rate, yield, and subsequent ease of downstream separation were demonstrated. The results suggested 35% energy savings. Phase II will fabricate larger prototype hollow fiber membrane reactors, which will provide not only the needed chemical and thermal resistance but also the desired flux and separation properties. Enhanced homogeneous catalysis will be demonstrated for specific esterification processes. The system will be field tested, and an economic evaluation will be performed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The enhanced membrane reactors should impact a broad platform of chemical reactions that produce over 5 billion pounds of product annually. Over 50 trillion BTU of energy could be saved each year.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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