Continuous Flow Processing of ZIF-8 Membranes on Polymeric Porous Hollow Fiber Supports for CO2 Capture.

We have utilized an environmentally friendly synthesis approach for the accelerated growth of a selective inorganic membrane on a polymeric hollow fiber support for postcombustion carbon capture. Specifically, continuous defect-free ZIF-8 thin films were grown and anchored using continuous flow synthesis on the outer surface of porous supports using water as solvent. These membranes demonstrated CO2 permeance of 22 GPU and the highest reported CO2/N2 selectivity of 52 for a continuous flow synthesized ZIF-8 membrane.

Separation of carbon dioxide from flue gas by mixed matrix membranes using dual phase microporous polymeric constituents.

This study presents the fabrication of a new mixed matrix membrane using two microporous polymers: a polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 and a benzimidazole linked polymer, BILP-101, and their CO2 separation properties from post-combustion flue gas. 17, 30 and 40 wt% loadings of BILP-101 into PIM-1 were tested, resulting in mechanically stable films showing very good interfacial interaction due to the inherent H-bonding capability of the constituent materials. Gas transport studies showed that BILP-101/PIM-1 membranes exhibit high CO2 permeability (7200 Barrer) and selectivity over N2 (15). The selected hybrid membrane was further tested for CO2 separation using actual flue gas from a coal-fired power plant.

In vivo evaluation of the biocompatibility of surface modified hemodialysis polysulfone hollow fibers in rat.

Polysulfone (Psf) hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) have been widely used in blood purification but their biocompatibility remains a concern. To enhance their biocompatibility, Psf/TPGS (d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) composite HFMs and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) coated Psf HFMs have been prepared. They have been evaluated for in vivo biocompatibility and graft acceptance and compared with sham and commercial membranes by intra-peritoneal implantation in rats at day 7 and 21. Normal body weights, tissue formation and angiogenesis indicate acceptance of implants by the animals. Hematological observations show presence of post-surgical stress which subsides over time. Serum biochemistry results reveal normal organ function and elevated liver ALP levels at day 21. Histological studies exhibit fibroblast recruitment cells, angiogenesis and collagen deposition at the implant surface indicating new tissue formation. Immuno-histochemistry studies show non-activation of MHC molecules signifying biocompatibilty. Additionally, Psf/TPGS exhibit most favorable tissue response as compared with other HFMs making them the material of choice for HFM preparation for hemodialysis applications.

The biocompatibility and separation performance of antioxidative polysulfone/vitamin E TPGS composite hollow fiber membranes.

The extended interaction of blood with certain materials like hemodialysis membranes results in the activation of cellular element as well as inflammatory response. This results in hypersensitive reactions and increased reactive oxygen species, which occurs during or immediately after dialysis. Although polysulfone (Psf) hollow fiber has been commercially used for acute and chronic hemodialysis, its biocompatibility remains a major concern. To overcome this, we have successfully made composite Psf hollow fiber membrane consisting of hydrophilic/hydrophobic micro-domains of Psf and Vitamin E TPGS (TPGS). These were prepared by dry-wet spinning using 5, 10, 15, 20 wt% TPGS as an additive in dope solution. TPGS was successfully entrapped in Psf hollow fiber, as confirmed by ATR-FTIR and TGA. The selective skin was formed at inner side of hollow fibers, as confirmed by SEM study. In vitro biocompatibility and performance of the Psf/TPGS composite membranes were examined, with cytotoxicity, ROS generation, hemolysis, platelet adhesion, contact and complement activation, protein adsorption, ultrafiltration coefficient, solute rejection and urea clearance. We show that antioxidative composite Psf exhibits enhanced biocompatibility, and the membranes show high flux and high urea clearance, about two orders of magnitude better than commercial hemodialysis membranes on a unit area basis.