New polymeric membranes for CO₂ capture

Goal of the Project:
The primary objective of the POLYMEM project is to reduce the costs, energy and environmental impact of CO₂ capture compared with existing technologies by developing and implementing the "next generation" polymeric membranes.

Technical content:
In the project, we will develop new, cost-effective and high performance CO₂ separation membranes that will provide significant cost reductions for CO₂ capture compared to existent membranes and absorption technology. The project will promote a multidisciplinary approach involving fundamental research of novel polymers, organic synthesis and polymer modification, membrane separation, process simulations and engineering.

Technical advantages:
Our methodology in POLYMEM is based on modification methods with CO₂-philic groups for polymers and commercial membranes and use of novel polymers. We will investigate the influence of polymer structure on the thin film composite membranes preparation and on CO₂ transport. We will later test the membranes using mixed gases in presence of water vapours similar to real flue gas, we will perform durability studies in presence of SO2 and NOx and process simulations related to cost and process parameter optimization.

R&D Challenges:
This methodology will effectively mitigate the R&D challenges associated with our hypotheses: insufficient enhancement of selectivity, decreased permeance due to chemical modification, degradability of membranes. The methods to be used will be based on complementary expertise and knowledge of each participant.

Result Today:
The scientific activity started according to the plan by performing a literature research on polymer selection and preparation procedures and a literature review on membranes state of the art and preparation procedures. These two activities have as aim the selection of optimum materials, membranes and preparation methods to be implemented in the project. In parallel, the first membrane preparation trials were performed by chemically modifying existent commercial membranes with CO₂-philic groups.