The Need

Membranes are a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for the separation of carbon dioxide from methane and industrial flue gas. In addition, membranes are utilized to purify hydrogen and syngas. Increased global utilization of natural gas has necessitated efficient natural gas purification technologies. Investment in hydrogen purification technologies is growing due to a significant demand for hydrogen in the petroleum refining and renewable energy industries. Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts on global climate change have generated a demand for membranes capable of efficient CO₂ purification and capture from fossil fuel combustion activities.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University, led by Dr. Winston Ho, developed borate-containing membranes for selective separation and purification of industrial gases. This high-temperature facilitated transport membrane uses air to sweep gas in the gas separation processes.

Commercial Applications

• Gas Separation and Purification: removal of sulfide from syngas and biogas, hydrogen purification, coal and natural gas refineries and power plant, petroleum refining, CO2 removal from CH4-containing mixtures

Benefits/ Advantages

• Desirable separation performances and the catalytic effect of borate-containing compounds in facilitating CO2 transport
• Oxidatively stable
• Mitigates CO2 emissions to reduce global warming concerns
• More energy efficient, compact, and easy to operate
• Capability for overcoming thermodynamic equilibrium limitations