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Improved Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes for Oxygen-Nitrogen Separation--Advanced Fuel Research, Inc., 87 Church St., P.O. Box 380379, East Hartford, CT 06108-3742; 860-528-9806
Dr. Marek A. Wojtowicz, Principal Investigator
Dr. Michael A. Serio, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82728
Amount: $99,993
Widespread commercial production of fuels or chemicals from synthesis gas has been hindered by the high cost of producing oxygen, which is required for either the gasification of coal or the reforming of natural gas. Currently, oxygen is produced in cryogenic air separation plants, which require high capital investment and high energy penalties. This project will develop carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes having high permeability and improved selectivity towards oxygen-nitrogen separation. This will be accomplished through the use of carefully selected polymer-based precursors and a special char-activation technique developed previously. Good control over pore-size distribution of CMS material is expected to lead to substantial improvements in membrane selectivity. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining good control over membrane selectivity by varying the CMS activation conditions. Specifically, CMS membranes with different pore-size distributions will be prepared, characterized, and tested with respect to their O2/N2 separation.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications for the technology include oxygen generation for the production and processing of synthesis gas, biological wastewater treatment, steel making, non-ferrous metal smelting, paper and pulp industry, medical applications, and various partial-oxidation processes.