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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Maximizing Ether Oxygen Content in Polymers for Membrane CO2 Removal from Natural Gas
Junyi Liu1, Gengyi Zhang1, Krysta Clark1
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering , University at Buffalo, The State University at New York , Buffalo , New York 14260 , United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 23, 2019
Summary
New rubbery polymers offer superior carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from natural gas. These materials overcome limitations of traditional glassy polymers, providing high CO2/methane (CH4) selectivity unaffected by contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Glassy polymers are standard for CO2/CH4 separation but face challenges.
- Competitive sorption and physical aging reduce efficiency and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design novel rubbery polymers for CO2 removal from natural gas.
- To overcome limitations of existing glassy polymer membranes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized rubbery polymers with high ether/ester oxygen to carbon ratios (up to 0.8) using 1,3-dioxolane and 1,3,5-trioxane.
- Incorporated polar groups in short branches to ensure amorphous and rubbery characteristics.
- Tested polymer performance in simulated natural gas with varying hexane content at 50 °C.
Main Results:
- Developed a polymer (P71) with an O/C ratio of 0.71 exhibiting high CO2 permeability (320 Barrers) and CO2/CH4 selectivity (21).
- Achieved solubility-selective CO2/gas separation unaffected by heavy hydrocarbons.
- Demonstrated stable gas permeability over time, avoiding physical aging issues.
Conclusions:
- The novel rubbery polymers exhibit excellent CO2/CH4 separation performance exceeding the upper bound limit.
- These materials offer a promising solution for efficient and durable CO2 capture from natural gas.
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