Hydrophobic-ZIF-71 filled PEBA mixed matrix membranes for recovery of biobutanol via pervaporation

Fabrication of PEBA/Cu2O mixed-matrix membranes and their application in pyridine recovery from aqueous solution

The lone pair of electrons of the pyridine nitrogen atom can form a complex with some metal ions such as Cu⁺, Ag⁺, etc.

Hybrid and Mixed Matrix Membranes for Separations from Fermentations

Fermentations provide an alternative to fossil fuels for accessing a number of biofuel and chemical products from a variety of renewable and waste substrates. The recovery of these dilute fermentation products from the broth, however, can be incredibly energy intensive as a distillation process is generally involved and creates a barrier to commercialization. Membrane processes can provide a low energy aid/alternative for recovering these dilute fermentation products and reduce production costs. For these types of separations many current polymeric and inorganic membranes suffer from poor selectivity and high cost respectively. This paper reviews work in the production of novel mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) for fermentative separations and those applicable to these separations. These membranes combine a trade-off of low-cost and processability of polymer membranes with the high selectivity of inorganic membranes. Work within the fields of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and pervaporation has been discussed. The review shows that MMMs are currently providing some of the most high-performing membranes for these separations, with three areas for improvement identified: Further characterization and optimization of inorganic phase(s), Greater understanding of the compatibility between the polymer and inorganic phase(s), Improved methods for homogeneously dispersing the inorganic phase.

The synthesis and tribological properties of small- and large-sized crystals of zeolitic imidazolate framework-71

Crystals of ZIF-71 with different particle sizes were synthesized using different strategies. The small- and large-sized crystals of ZIF-71 showed different lubrication effects.

PDMS mixed matrix membranes filled with novel PSS-2 nanoparticles for ethanol/water separation by pervaporation

The design of functional micro- and mesostructured composite materials is significantly important for separation processes.

Carbon dioxide stripping through water by porous PVDF/montmorillonite hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes in a membrane contactor

Hydrophobic montmorillonite-filled polyvinylideneflouride hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes were fabricated via wet phase inversion method to meet the requirements of stripping process through membrane contactor at elevated temperatures.

Recovery of acetone from aqueous solution by ZIF-7/PDMS mixed matrix membranes

Mixed matrix membrane containing ZIF-7 exhibits the excellent performance in the recovery of acetone from fermentation broths.

Amine-functionalized metal organic framework (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) incorporated sodium alginate mixed matrix membranes for dehydration of acetic acid by pervaporation

In the present paper, amine-functionalized metal organic framework (NH₂-MIL-125(Ti)) crystal nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into a sodium alginate (NaAlg) matrix to prepare novel NH₂-MIL-125(Ti)/NaAlg mixed matrix membranes (MMMs).

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: next-generation materials for energy-efficient gas separations

Industrial separation processes comprise approximately 10% of the global energy demand, driven largely by the utilization of thermal separation methods (e.g., distillation). Significant energy and cost savings can be realized using advanced separation techniques such as membranes and sorbents. One of the major barriers to acceptance of these techniques remains creating materials that are efficient and productive in the presence of aggressive industrial feeds. One promising class of emerging materials is zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), an important thermally and chemically stable subclass of metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The objectives of this paper are (i) to provide a current understanding of the synthetic methods that enable the immense tunability of ZIFs, (ii) to identify areas of success and areas for improvement when ZIFs are used as adsorbents, (iii) to identify areas of success and areas for improvement in ZIF membranes. A review is given of the state-of-the-art in ZIF synthesis procedures and novel ZIF formation pathways as well as their application in energy efficient separations.

A carbon nanotube filled polydimethylsiloxane hybrid membrane for enhanced butanol recovery

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid membrane was fabricated to evaluate its potential for butanol recovery from acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation broth. Compared with the homogeneous PDMS membrane, the CNTs filled into the PDMS membrane were beneficial for the improvement of butanol recovery in butanol flux and separation factor. The CNTs acting as sorption-active sites with super hydrophobicity could give an alternative route for mass transport through the inner tubes or along the smooth surface. The maximum total flux and butanol separation factor reached up to 244.3 g/m²·h and 32.9, respectively, when the PDMS membrane filled with 10 wt% CNTs was used to separate butanol from the butanol/water solution at 80°C. In addition, the butanol flux and separation factor increased dramatically as temperature increased from 30°C to 80°C in feed solution since the higher temperature produced more free volumes in polymer chains to facilitate butanol permeation. A similar increase was also observed when butanol titer in solution increased from 10 g/L to 25 g/L. Overall, the CNTs/PDMS hybrid membrane with higher butanol flux and selectivity should have good potential for pervaporation separation of butanol from ABE fermentation broth.