A new membrane developed by University of Amsterdam placed researcher, Hessel Castricum, proved to be versatile in segregating gas and liquid mixtures energy efficiently. He performed the research in the company of researchers from the Energy research Center of the Netherlands and the University of Twente.
Membranes considered to be the low-cost ways of separation in processes such as distillation are easy to use and energy efficient. But the membranes are rarely used in separating the molecular mixtures particularly in large processes. The main causes for their non-usage include their inadequate stability and insufficient tests precedents to use them dependably.
The newly developed membrane unlike other membranes that were grossly unstable can be used under normal industrial conditions. Also by varying its structure, the functionality of the membrane can be modified. It can be used for a number of years in high temperatures and in mixtures with the presence of water. The stable material enables quicker transport of molecules such as polymers.
The newly developed membrane is made of a hybrid material that combines both polymeric and ceramic properties. The researchers have found the methods to change the characteristic structure of this membrane using an organic bridge between the two silicon atoms. This varying feature of the membrane enables its optimization for separating different mixtures.
By deploying its short bridges the membrane can be made selective for use with the smallest molecules such as water and hydrogen. Use of large bridges will enable the membrane to pass large sized molecules such as alcohol or carbon dioxide. The use of long organic bridges will make the material water repellent to enable its usage in segregation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen production or in the process of dewatering of bio-fuels.
For its large scale usage, a pilot plant has already been opened in Rotterdam’s Botlek area to test large quantity of the developed membrane material.