(398ai) Ionic Liquid Based Methacrylate Polymer Membranes for Efficient Enrichment of 1,3-Propanediol from Fermentation Broths

The challenge of pervaporative enrichment of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) from dilute aqueous mixtures was addressed by the synthesis of a novel hydrophobic imidazolium alkyl phosphate ionic liquid structure based monomer. Vinylimidazole was “coupled” with mercaptoethanol, converted into an alkylphosphate ionic liquid followed by esterification to the final monomer structure. Characterization and batch pervaporation was carried out on several different polymer chemistry mediated membrane structures based on this monomer, including semi interpenetrating polymeric network like structures with hydrophobic polyglycerol sebacate acrylate (PGSA). The batch pervaporation exhibited high separation factors and fair 1,3-PD fluxes compared to other hydrophobic membranes. The monomer provides recourse to high performing materials by balancing its 1,3-PD affinity with its hydrophobic nature. The excellent cost-performance trade-off makes this an attractive candidate for possible scale-up and industrial applications in multilayer modules.