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| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/F060858/1 |
| Title: |
Novel Catalytic Membranes for CO2 Removal and Recovery |
| Principal Investigator: |
Dr PM Budd |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-investigator: |
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| Project Partner: |
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| Department: |
Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
The University of Manchester |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research |
| Starts: |
01 March 2008 |
Ends: |
31 August 2009 |
Value (£): |
149,042
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Catalysis and Applied Catalysis |
Energy - Conventional |
| Functional Organics and Polymers: Characterisation |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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18 Jan 2008
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Feasibility Studies for Energy Research II
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Announced
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Summary |
Catalytic membrane systems offer the possibility of highly selective removal of CO2 from a mixed feed gas (e.g., from a fossil fuel power station or hydrogen production plant) into an aqueous phase, and recovery of pure CO2 from the aqueous phase, for subsequent storage or re-use.
We propose to explore the potential of composite membranes composed of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) as matrix or sub-layer, together with a synthetic catalyst which acts as a carbonic anhydrase mimic (catalysing either CO2 hydration or bicarbonate dehydration depending on pH). In addition to seeking to heterogenize a known carbonic anhydrase mimic (a Zn(II) cyclen complex), we shall investigate the potential of two novel heterogeneous catalyst systems which have not previously been studied for this type of application: nanoporous Zn pthalocyanine polymer networks and Zn phthalocyanine cubic crystals.
We shall also explore possibilities for optimizing a membrane for either CO2 removal or CO2 recovery, through control of local pH within the membrane or through use of catalysts with different pKa values, and hence to develop a unique and highly efficient double membrane system.
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| Final Report Summary |
Composite membranes comprising a catalytic species or highly selective adsorbent within a highly permeable polymer, such as a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM), offer considerable potential for a variety of processes, including the energy-efficient removal and recovery of CO2 from a mixed feed gas (e.g., from a fossil fuel power station or hydrogen production plant).
In this research, preliminary studies were carried out relating to three types of composite membrane: (a) membranes incorporating a carbonic anhydrase mimic (e.g., Zn(II) cyclen complex) for CO2 hydration / bicarbonate dehydration, to enable the selective removal of CO2 into an aqueous phase and efficient recovery from it; (b) membranes incorporating selective adsorbents (e.g., zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, ZIFs) for CO2 recovery; (c) membranes incorporating catalytic species (e.g., Pd-loaded hexaazatrinaphthylene network-PIM) for solution-phase coupling reactions. Research was also carried out on the chemical modification of PIMs, including the incorporation of acidic/basic groups to control the local pH and other groups to provide compatibility with additives. Carboxylated and thioamide-modified PIMs were successfully prepared.
On the basis of this feasibility study, a number of collaborations have been established to develop these concepts further. The most significant issue in the preparation of composite membranes is controlling the dispersion of additives in the polymer, as poor dispersion results in mechanically unstable materials. This issue is a major focus of a European Project involving ten partners, which commenced April 2009. The postdoctoral researcher employed for the feasibility study is now funded by the European project. The application of PIMs to carbon capture processes is being explored further in the context of a UK Consortium involving five Universities, which commenced October 2009. Development of some of the underlying science relating to PIMs is being undertaken through a US-UK Materials World Network collaboration (Penn State, Manchester and Cardiff Universities), which also commenced in October 2009.
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.man.ac.uk |
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