New Fabrication Technique for Ultrathin Membranes

Higher gas transport membranes would enhance membrane separations, especially those associated with energy savings (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen enriched air). In these systems, gas transport is inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane¿s active layer. This project will explore a novel route for preparing ultrathin (100-1000 angstroms) membranes with very high selectivity. First, membranes with ultrathin dense skins will be prepared. Then, these ultrathin membranes will be evaluated in various gas separations, with a focus on oxygen enriched air. Finally, the economics of these ultrathin membranes will be analyzed to determine their contribution to energy savings in gas separations and associated membrane-based processes. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: This is a platform technology. The ultrathin membranes should have significant impact related to energy savings in industrial processes. The specific focus will be on reducing the costs of making high purity nitrogen enriched air and oxygen enriched air