(380q) Advancing CO2 Separation in Humid Condition: Harnessing Encapsulated Ionic Liquid in Polymeric Membranes

Efficiently separating CO₂, particularly in humid environments, is vital for purifying natural gas, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing industrial productivity. The presence of moisture in natural gas streams presents a formidable obstacle, underscoring the significance of pioneering membrane technologies capable of operating effectively in such conditions. Conquering this challenge is indispensable not just for the processing and enhancement of natural gas but also for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing towards a sustainable energy paradigm.

Our study focuses on improving CO₂ transport in environments with high moisture content by utilizing encapsulated ionic liquid within polymeric membranes both in flat sheet and hollow fiber forms. We employed tetrabutylammonium L-prolinate, an amino acid-based ionic liquid, encapsulated in porous carbon capsules to enhance stability and prevent leaching during membrane operation. This encapsulation, when combined with the Pebax^®1657 polymer matrix, significantly boosted the CO₂ absorption capacity of the membrane. Consequently, there was a notable over twofold increase in CO₂ permeability while maintaining selectivity against other light gases. Moreover, this performance enhancement proved durable even in humid mixed gases, demonstrating the membrane's resilience and practicality in real-world natural gas purification scenarios. Overall, our research represents a substantial advancement in polymeric membrane technology for gas separation. By effectively addressing challenges in harsh environments, this approach holds considerable promise for enhancing natural gas purification and other industrial processes reliant on efficient and reliable CO₂ separation.