Selective Ceramic-Supprted Polymer Membranes

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The Main objective of this project is the preparation and development of inorganic-polymeric membranes for separation processes. These composites should combine the structural strength of inorganic membranes with the high selectivity of the polymeric varieties. Fabrication will start with a vinyl silanation of an inorganic membrane substrate followed by free radical graft polymerization onto these vinyl moiety surface sites. Properties of the final composite can be altered through the structure of the inorganic support (e.g. pore size), the density of graft sites, choice of monomeric species, and the reaction conditions for the polymerization. Membranes will be tested for hydraulic permeability and for basic separation performance. Certain membrane processes are well-suited to separations involving dilute solutions like the purification and concentration of biomolecules or the removal of heavy metals from wastewater streams. Others like pervaporation of volatile organic mixtures have the potential to replace distillation as the method of separation. Materials development is essential if the expected potential of membrane separation methods to address important environmental and industrial problems is to be realized and if the United States is to continue as a leader in the production and sales of membranes worldwide. The ceramic-supported polymeric hybrid membranes contribute to this effort.