Synthesis and Characterization of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid Copolymers As Membranes for CO2 Capture

Copolymer membranes have been synthesized using an imidazole-based ionic liquid monomer and a neutral analogue.  The CO2 permeability and selectivity with respect to N2 and CH4 of these membranes have been experimentally characterized.  Additionally, the physical swelling of these polymers in organic solvents and acidic solutions has been measured and correlated to the ratio of ionic to neutral monomer constituents.  The overall goal of this project is to explore the physical properties of complex ionic liquid membranes with potential uses in industrial gas separations or solvent absorption.