Sub-micro porous thin polymer membranes for discriminating H<sub>2</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub>.

Yan, Xueru; Song, Tianqi; Li, Min; Wang, Zhi; Liu, Xinlei · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Polymeric membranes with high permeance and remarkable selectivity for simultaneous H<sub>2</sub> purification and CO<sub>2</sub> capture under industry-relevant conditions are absent. Herein, sub-micro pores with precise molecular sieving capability are created in ultra-thin (13-30 nm) polymer membranes via controllable transformation of amine-linked polymer (ALP) films into benzimidazole-and-amine-linked polymer (BIALP) layers. The BIALP membranes exhibit stable unprecedented H<sub>2</sub>/CO<sub>2</sub> selectivity of 120 with a H<sub>2</sub> permeance of 315 GPU. Furthermore, high pressure (up to 11 bar) and thermal (up to 300 °C) resistance is delivered. This work provides a concept on designing porous polymeric membranes for precise molecular discrimination.