High-Performance Polymers for Membrane CO2/N2 Separation

Abstract

This Concept examines strategies to design advanced polymers with high CO2 permeability and high CO2/N2 selectivity, which are the key to the success of membrane technology for CO2 capture from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Specifically, polymers with enhanced CO2 solubility and thus CO2/N2 selectivity are designed by incorporating CO2-philic groups in polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide)-containing polymers and poly(ionic liquids); polymers with enhanced CO2 diffusivity and thus CO2 permeability are designed with contorted rigid polymer chains to obtain high free volume, such as polymers with intrinsic microporosity and thermally rearranged polymers. The underlying rationales for materials design are discussed and polymers with promising CO2/N2 separation properties for CO2 capture from flue gas are highlighted.