SBIR-STTR Award

Atomically Precise Membranes for the Separation of Hydrocarbons
Award last edited on: 10/26/2017

Sponsored Program
STTR
Awarding Agency
DOE
Total Award Amount
$1,154,438
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
02a
Principal Investigator
Ted J Amundsen

Company Information

Mainstream Engineering Corporation

200 Yellow Place
Rockledge, FL 32955
   (321) 631-3550
   info@mainstream-engr.com
   www.mainstream-engr.com

Research Institution

Temple University

Phase I

Contract Number: DE-SC0017037
Start Date: 2/21/2017    Completed: 11/20/2017
Phase I year
2017
Phase I Amount
$154,878
Separations often account for a majority of process costs. This is because all traditional separation processes have inherent weaknesses that prevent the system from achieving perfect (or even near perfect in many instances) selectivity. These weaknesses result in large recycle streams and require multiple separation units in concert in order to produce a product clean enough for use or sale. An atomically-precise membrane capable of allowing passage to only certain molecules would greatly improve process economics. We propose to develop atomically precise, triangular and square pore-containing macromolecules using a unique, stiff, programmable molecular scaffold developed in Prof. SchafmeisterÂ’s lab. We will synthesize porous triangular and square macromolecules from our unique, poly-cyclic, shape-programmable and functional group-programmable spiroligomer scaffolds. We will synthesize stiff molecular segments that vary from 1 to 2 nanometers in length and link them end-to-end incorporating three of them together to form triangles and four of them to form squares. We will incorporate these pore containing macromolecules into atomically precise membranes that display the ultimate density of pores and extremely high flux and selectivity. The pores will be of programmable size and shape to selectively allow some molecules and ions to pass through the pores while resisting others. Systems like this could replace fractional distillation in the petroleum industry and myriad purification systems in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries with inexpensive, ultra-low-energy consumption, atomically precise membrane systems. In Phase I, sheets of atomically precise cross-linked macromolecules will be synthesized and characterized. In Phase II, we will transition these macromolecular sheets to a robust, scalable membrane capable of selective separations. The commercial applications of these membranes are immense and include pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, and the food industry. The public will benefit from lower cost goods as a result of more efficient manufacturing processes. The public will also benefit from the reduced emissions of processes made more efficient by these membranes.

Phase II

Contract Number: DE-SC0017037
Start Date: 5/21/2018    Completed: 5/20/2020
Phase II year
2018
Phase II Amount
$999,560
Separations often account for a majority of process costs. This is because all traditional separation processes have inherent weaknesses that prevent the system from achieving perfect (or even near perfect in many instances) selectivity. These weaknesses result in large recycle streams and require multiple separation units in concert in order to produce a product clean enough for use or sale. An atomically-precise membrane capable of allowing passage to only certain molecules would greatly improve process economics. Systems like this could replace fractional distillation in the petroleum industry and myriad purification systems in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries with inexpensive, energy-efficient, atomically precise membrane systems. In Phase I we completed the synthesis and characterization of two porous channel-displaying molecules and formed membranes using a Langmuir trough. We used atomic force microscopy to determine that the membranes were one molecule thick. We also developed synthetic strategies for covalently linking channel-molecules to porous supports in order to fabricate functional membranes that can withstand process conditions. In Phase II we will scale-up the synthesis of the channel-molecules and manufacture several membranes and characterize their performance with a variety of substrate mixtures. Systems like this could replace fractional distillation in the petroleum industry and myriad purification systems in the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries with inexpensive, ultra-low-energy consumption, atomically precise membrane systems. The commercial applications of these membranes are immense and include pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, and the food industry. The public will benefit from lower cost goods as a result of more efficient manufacturing processes. The public will also benefit from the reduced emissions of processes made more efficient by these membranes.