Engineering Enhanced Permeability and Selectivity in Hybrid CO2 Capture Membranes

Despite ongoing advances in renewable energy, it remains true that ~90% of global power generation is still derived from carbon-based sources. It is therefore imperative to develop energy-efficient approaches to sequestering CO₂, facilitating decarbonization of energy production. CO₂ capture (pre- or post-combustion) using separations membranes represents an attractive alternative to amine looping, as membranes do not require temperature- or pressure-swings to achieve their performance. Historically, membranes for CO₂ sequestration have been dominated by pure polymers, due to ease of processability and scaling. However, within the solution-diffusion model for pure polymers, it has been challenging to increase CO₂ permeability as molecular diffusion and solubility are typically inversely related. In this talk, I present recent research into developing new molecular transport mechanisms in hybrid organic/inorganic membranes by introduction of chemically modulated inorganic nanocrystals and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into classical polymers forming altogether new classes of membranes that offer enhanced solubility, diffusion, and mechanical robustness. I will also briefly discuss strategies for H₂ separations as well.