Gas Separation by tailored molecular filters made from Carbon Nanomembranes (CNMs) and Graphene - MOLFIL-CNM

Project summary

Graphene and carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) are utilized for gas separation processes. The “ballistic” transport of molecules through these extremely thin (< 1 nm) filter membranes is expected to be much more energy efficient than the “solution-diffusion” transport in conventional polymeric membranes. To control the permeation of gas molecules, we will tailor the pore sizes of CNMs and functionalized graphene with the help of specially synthesized precursor molecules. The permeation properties will be characterized for various separation tasks such as O2/N2, H2 and N2/CH4 separation, and CO2 capture. We will demonstrate the scalability of the process through the production and evaluation of high surface area membranes and test them with Associated Partners under industrial conditions. MOLFIL-CNM has an impact on low carbon energy technologies by providing significant energy reduction in materials separation and a new material for the capturing of greenhouse gases.