last update: August 01, 2000
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STC-ERSP Program Details Principal Investigator: Benny Freeman Project Title: CO2 Separation Properties of Novel Substituted Polyacetylenes (#12) Phone/Fax: (919)515-2460/(919)515-3465 E-mail: benny_freeman@ncsu.edu Research Plan Connectivity Outreach Components Requested Budget Allocation - Year 1 Plans for Additional Funding Research Plan Overall objectives This project would focus on developing polymer membranes for separations involving high pressure CO2. The initial focus of the project would be on determining pure CO2 permeability and polymer stability in a family of substituted polyacetylene polymers. These are the most permeable class of polymers known and have been shown to have excellent separation characteristics for vapor separations. Later in the project, the most promising materials would be tested in separations of interest to the center to determine mixture separation properties and develop rational paradigms for tailoring the structure of these polymers for CO2 separations. Relation to overall objectives of the Center The ability to use high permeability, highly selective polymer membranes to separate high pressure mixtures containing mostly CO2 represents a low energy separation route to recover valuable small molecules from such mixtures and/or to recycle CO2 to other manufacturing processes. However, little is known about the CO2 permeation properties and separation properties of polymer membranes at such high partial pressures of CO2or about the stability of polymer membranes under these conditions. A key objective will be to determine how to balance membrane stability, permeability and separation properties by controlling polymer chemical structure. The substituted polyacetylenes offer a rich variety of extremely permeable polymers that have been shown to not be soluble in supercritical CO2and to be extremely resistant to plasticization by conventional small molecule organics. Approach and Year 1-Year 5 timelines Years 1-2: Perform a fundamental experimental survey of the permeation properties of CO2 and other penetrants of interest to the center in substituted polyacetylenes. Optimize the chemical structure to be stable in high pressure CO2environment. Develop fundamental understanding of the effect of high pressure on the permeation properties of substituted polyacetylenes. Years 2-5: Using most stable materials from initial screening test, conduct mixture separation studies on mixtures relevant to the center's interests. Determine high pressure CO2 sorption properties as required. Develop and validate fundamental model CO2of mixture transport in these polymers. Thrust area of this proposal Thrust Area C: Rate Processes Connectivity Collaborators, multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary components The initial work will focus on studying the fundamental transport properties of CO2 in substituted polyacetylenes. The results from these preliminary studies will be communicated with the othe rcenter participants. This research will be coordinated with the work of Koros and Illias to develop the best approach for using membrane separations for separations of interest to the center. Related work in other thrust areas The research in year 1 will help establish fundamental materials property performance. As separations needs arise in other thrust areas (Colloid and Surface Science, Rate Processes, Chemistry and Catalysis), we will be in a position in years 2-5 to develop targeted membranes for the separations of interest. Sharing of resources (students, supplies, equipment, etc.) The results of this research program will be shared with other groups in the center. We anticipate being a resource to assess the utility of membranes as a separation process technology for novel separations arising from center activities. Outreach Components Suggested K-12 Outreach Ideas We will be available to help with these activities as coordinated through the center. Requested Budget Allocation - Year 1 Personnel salaries
Plans for Additional Funding Funding agencies/programs and planned dates of submission: To be determined based on results and separations needs of the center. Return to top. |
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