Cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and methods of making the same
First Claim
1. A process for separating at least one gas from a mixture of gases, the process comprising:
- a) providing a mixed matrix membrane comprising a UV-cross-linkable or UV-cross-linked polymer as a continuous phase and a microporous material dispersed in the continuous phase wherein said mixed matrix membrane is permeable to said at least one gas and wherein said microporous polymer material consists essentially of organic macromolecules comprised of first generally planar species connected by rigid linkers predominantly to a maximum of two other said first species, said rigid linkers having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by the linker are held in non-coplanar orientation;
b) contacting the mixture of gases to a first side of the mixed matrix membrane to cause said at least one gas to permeate the mixed matrix membrane; and
c) removing from a second side of the membrane a permeate gas composition comprising at least a portion of said at least one gas which permeated said membrane.
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Abstract
The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A process for separating at least one gas from a mixture of gases, the process comprising:
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a) providing a mixed matrix membrane comprising a UV-cross-linkable or UV-cross-linked polymer as a continuous phase and a microporous material dispersed in the continuous phase wherein said mixed matrix membrane is permeable to said at least one gas and wherein said microporous polymer material consists essentially of organic macromolecules comprised of first generally planar species connected by rigid linkers predominantly to a maximum of two other said first species, said rigid linkers having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by the linker are held in non-coplanar orientation; b) contacting the mixture of gases to a first side of the mixed matrix membrane to cause said at least one gas to permeate the mixed matrix membrane; and c) removing from a second side of the membrane a permeate gas composition comprising at least a portion of said at least one gas which permeated said membrane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15)
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- 8. A mixed matrix membrane comprising a UV-cross-linkable or UV-cross-linked continuous phase organic polymer and a microporous material dispersed in said cross-linkable or cross-linked continuous phase organic polymer wherein said microporous polymer material consists essentially of organic macromolecules comprised of first generally planar species connected by rigid linkers predominantly to a maximum of two other said first species, said rigid linkers having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by the linker are held in non-coplanar orientation.
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12. A method of making a mixed matrix membrane comprising:
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providing a UV-cross-linkable continuous phase organic polymer; providing a microporous material wherein said microporous polymer material consists essentially of organic macromolecules comprised of first generally planar species connected by rigid linkers predominantly to a maximum of two other said first species, said rigid linkers having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by the linker are held in non-coplanar orientation; dispersing the microporous material into a solution containing the continuous phase organic polymer; allowing the continuous phase organic polymer to solidify about the microporous material to produce a mixed matrix membrane; and exposing said continuous phase organic polymer to UV radiation for a sufficient period of time to cross-link said continuous phase organic polymer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 17)
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Specification