Carbon Capture with Polymeric Membranes
Synthesis process of ionic liquid-polymeric composite membranes. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide is used in the illustration as an example for ionic liquids used in this application.
Abstract
Polymeric membranes (PMs) have recently been applied as one of the promising carbon capture technologies from emission streams before being released to the atmosphere. Efficient separation requires using polymer materials high CO2 selectivity characteristics, as well as mechanical and chemical stabilities to last for a reasonable working lifespan. This chapter reviews the recent improvements in PMs used for carbon capture. The selected polymer materials include ether oxygen-rich polymers, perfluoropolymers, polymeric ionic liquid membranes, iptycene-containing polymers and thermally rearranged polymers. In each of the selected polymeric materials, the pivotal aspects for membrane synthesis and design are highlighted. The performance of the polymeric membranes is compared with other membrane materials used for CO2 capture. The environmental challenges, economic assessment, commercialization, and scaling of PMs for carbon capture are also discussed.