Removal of Ammonia and Water to Enhance Yield of Kinetically-Controlled Beta-Lactam Synthesis

Membrane reactors have the potential to improve reactivity and productivity of various chemical syntheses including enzymatic water sensitive reactions. To be of value, higher use temperature, improved chemical resistance and better mass transfer systems are desired. Using membrane systems with improved mass transfer, Compact Membrane Systems will evaluate enhancing enzyme reactivity. Working with key industrial partners CMS will first fabricate novel membrane modules with improved mass transfer. Once fabricated, testing will be done to demonstrate enhanced targeted synthesis and improved mass transfer. Phase I was extremely successful. Key elements of a universal membrane reactor for reactive separation have been demonstrated and CMS has shown the feasibility of CMS membrane reactors to enhance reactive synthesis by specifically controlling water activity. CMS has shown feasibility of dramatically expanding the thermal and chemical capabilities of membrane reactors and also simultaneously reducing costs significantly (3-10X) while increasing productivity 10-40 fold.. For instance, where membrane reactors historically have an upper temperature limit of 90ºC, CMS has demonstrated with system components up to 150ºC. Comparable improvements in chemical resistance have been shown. Therefore program has potential for one size fits all. Membranes are low cost and high performance and remove multiple small molecules that create industrial side reactions. Given our success in phase I we have established strong industrial interest from key material suppliers, membrane system suppliers and individual companies closely aligned with end users. Phase II will focus on optimizing product shown to have feasibility in Phase I. Phase II will build prototypes and demonstrate performance in the laboratory and scaled up systems Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: This program addresses a broad platform of chemical reactions that can be enhanced by membrane reactors. Direct applications that would be enhanced produce well over 5 billion pounds/yr and save over 50 trillion BTU/yr. This is platform technology which can be used broadly, therefore impact is large. This includes enhancing chemical reactions and also drying organics, most specifically fuel grade ethanol and pipeline ethanol.