(330g) Isotropic Microporous Mixed Matrix (Zeotips) Membranes

This presentation will discuss unique, isotropic, microporous mixed matrix membranes for liquid separation and gas separations. These membranes consist of a flexible microporous polymer matrix with nanoporous zeolite particles connecting the microporous voids of the matrix. These unique zeolite-containing membranes are formed via the thermally induced phase separation process; thus, they are referred to as ZeoTIPS membranes. In these membranes, the microporous cellular voids of the polymer matrix allow for rapid transport through the membrane while the nanoporous zeolite particles that connect the microporous cells provide the membrane with high selectivity capabilities. There are a variety of complicating factors occurring in the formation of ZeoTIPS membranes involving the choice of polymer-diluent-zeolite system and the processing conditions used. In addition to explaining the rationale behind the development of isotropic microporous mixed matrix membranes, this presentation will discuss in some detail the challenges associated with selecting a polymer and diluent for use in a ZeoTIPS membranes. Finally, the challenges related to zeolite surface chemistry in a TIPS system, including surface modification of the particles, will be presented.