Solvent-free membrane manufacturing via melt processing

Abstract

Polymer membranes are an energy-efficient separation technique useful for liquids, gases, and biologics. Traditional membranes are manufactured using a solvent-based system that is very scalable but relies on the use of large volumes of toxic solvents. An alternative manufacturing route is melt processing, which eliminates organic solvents. Micro- and ultra-filtration applications are well suited for melt-manufactured membranes with strong separation performance demonstrated that is comparable to solvent-based manufacturing techniques. Melt manufacturing of membranes for gas separations remains difficult, however. New routes of membrane design are proposed, allowing for melt manufacturing to create membranes for a more complete spread of applications.