Ultra-Thin, Molecular Layer Deposition Membranes

1263130 Falconer本研究的目的是制备具有高度选择性的无机膜，其通量比以前报道的膜的通量高至少一个数量级。 这些膜将通过分子层沉积（MLD）在高通量载体上制备。 MLD依次使用两个自限性半反应来形成无机-有机混合层，然后将其氧化以去除有机层并产生多孔膜。 通过MLD制备的膜可以小于10 nm厚，因为MLD共形地涂覆表面。将制备各种组成的氧化物和氮化物结构，以获得水热稳定的选择性膜。 这些膜将用于在高压和高温下分离H2/CO2和H2/CO混合物，因为这些条件是对膜质量要求更高的测试，并且更好地代表分离应用。 该项目利用了最近的观察结果，即SAPO-34沸石膜上的薄MLD氧化铝层使H2/N2分离选择性增加了几乎两个数量级，并且这些膜在高达至少1.5 MPa的压力下具有选择性。 该项目的成功完成将导致设计具有高通量和高选择性的无机氧化物和氮化物膜的能力。 由于MLD层非常薄（10 nm或更小），因此通量将很高，并且这种膜对于膜分离将具有潜在的变革性。更广泛的影响具有显着更高的通量和高选择性的H2分离膜的制备可以通过显着降低这些分离的成本对H2利用率产生重大影响。 大多数无机膜至少比10 nm厚两个数量级，制备几乎无缺陷的无机膜将是膜科学的重大进展。 MLD为制备具有广泛应用潜力的新型膜提供了一种新方法。 了解如何控制由MLD制备的微孔膜的孔径也为许多需要分离分子大小差异很小的混合物的应用开辟了潜力（例如，O2/N2、CO2/N2）。具有高选择性的高通量膜将对能量利用具有显著影响，因为传统分离是这样的能量密集型过程。 PI已经成功地为他的研究成果申请了专利，并有可能通过商业化迅速直接造福社会。 该项目将直接影响一名博士生，至少四名本科生和至少两名高中生。 将制作关于膜分离和MLD的视频，并将其发布在www.LearnChemE.com上，以传播关于MLD和膜的信息。

1263130 FalconerThe goals of this research are to prepare ultrathin inorganic membranes that are both highly selective and have fluxes that are at least an order of magnitude higher than fluxes of previously reported membranes. These membranes will be prepared by molecular layer deposition (MLD) onto high-flux supports. MLD uses two self-limiting half reactions in sequence to form inorganic-organic hybrid layers, which are then oxidized to remove the organic layer and create a porous membrane. Membranes prepared by MLD can be less than 10-nm thick because MLD conformally coats surfaces. Both oxide and nitride structures of various compositions will be prepared in order to obtain selective membranes that are hydrothermally stable. These membranes will be used to separate H2/CO2 and H2/CO mixtures at high pressures and temperatures since such conditions are more demanding tests of membrane quality and better represent separations applications. This project takes advantage of recent observations that a thin MLD alumina layer on a SAPO-34 zeolite membrane increased the H2/N2 separation selectivity almost two orders of magnitude, and these membranes were selective up to at least 1.5 MPa pressure. The successful completion of this project will result in the ability to design inorganic oxide and nitride membranes with high fluxes and high selectivities. Because the MLD layers are so thin (10 nm or less), fluxes will be high, and such membranes would be potentially transformative for membrane separations. Broader ImpactsPreparation of ultrathin membranes that have dramatically higher fluxes and high selectivities for H2 separations could have a major impact on H2 utilization by significantly reducing the cost of these separations. Most inorganic membranes are at least two orders of magnitude thicker than 10-nm, and preparing ultrathin membranes that are almost defect free would be a major advance in membrane science. MLD provides a new approach to prepare a novel class of membranes that have the potential for broad application. Understanding how to control the pore size of ultrathin membranes prepared by MLD also opens up the potential for many applications that require separating mixtures with small differences in the size of molecules (e.g., O2/N2, CO2/N2). High flux membranes with high selectivities would have a significant impact on energy utilization because traditional separations are such energy-intensive processes. The PI has successfully patented results of his research with the potential to rapidly and directly benefit society through commercialization. This proposed project will directly impact one PhD student, at least four undergraduate students, and at least two high school students. Screencasts will be prepared on membrane separations and on MLD and posted on www.LearnChemE.com to disseminate information about MLD and membranes.