Elsevier

Journal of Membrane Science

Volume 94, Issue 1, 19 September 1994, Pages 1-65
Journal of Membrane Science

Review
Polymers for gas separations: the next decade

https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-7388(94)00141-3Get rights and content

Abstract

Gas separation by selective permeation through polymer membranes is one of the fastest growing branches of separation technology. Strong interest exists, therefore, in the synthesis of new polymers that exhibit both higher gas permeabilities and selectivities than presently available polymers. Such new polymers, in the form of asymmetric or “composite” membranes, are required in order to improve the economics of extant membrane processes for gas separations and to develop new processes. A considerable amount of information has been available for many years on the permeabilities and selectivities of a large variety of polymers to different gases. However, since most of these polymers were structurally unrelated, syntheses of new polymers for gas separations was based largely on trial and error and previous experience. It is only in recent years that the structure/permeability/selectivity relationships of polymers have become the object of systematic studies. The present review examines the progress made in the understanding of these relationships, with emphasis on selected rubbery and glassy polymers. Some of the most important theoretical models of gas transport in polymers are also reviewed. The potential usefulness of computer simulation techniques for predicting polymer structures that enhance penetrant gas mobility and selectivity is discussed. Finally, conjectures are offered as to possible advances in membrane separations of gaseoous mixtures in the coming decade.

References (262)

  • B.D. Bhide et al.

    Permeability of silicone polymers to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide

    J. Appl. Polym. Sci.

    (1989)
  • V.M. Shah et al.

    Solubility of carbon dioxide, methane and propane in silicone polymers: effect of polymer side chains

    J. Polym. Sci.

    (1986)
  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Solubility of gases and vapors in biological media: a simple correlation

    J. Membrane Sci.

    (1993)
  • T. Graham

    on the law of the diffusion of gases

    Philos. Mag.

    (1866)
  • W.J. Schell

    Membrane use/technology growing

    Hydrocarbon Process

    (1983)
  • S.A. Stern

    New developments in membranes proceses for gas separations

    MMI Press Symp. Ser.

    (1986)
  • W.J. Koros et al.

    Separation of gaseous mixtures using polymer membranes

  • R.W. Spillman

    Economics of gas separation membranes

    Chem. Eng. Prog.

    (1989)
  • J. Néel et al.
  • R.R. Zolandz et al.

    Gas permeation

  • R.E. Kesting
  • I. Cabasso
  • C.E. Rogers
  • J. Crank
    (1975)
  • R.M. Barrer

    Formal theory of diffusion through membranes

  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Selective permeation of gases through polymers

    Annu. Rev. Mater. Sci.

    (1981)
  • H.L. Frisch et al.

    Diffusion of small molecules in polymers

    CRC Crit. Rev. Solid State Mater. Sci.

    (1983)
  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Gas diffussion in rubbery and glassy polymers

    ACS Symp. Ser.

    (1990)
  • S. Kimura et al.

    Theory of membranes permeation

  • R.M. Barrer

    Diffusion and permeation in heterogeneous media

  • G.S. Park

    The glassy state and slow process anomalies

  • V. Stannett et al.

    Diffusion in polymers, MTP Int. Rev. Sci.

    Macromol. Sci.

    (1972)
  • H.B. Hopfenberg et al.

    The diffusion and sorption of gases and vapours in glassy polymers

  • J.H. Petropoulos et al.

    A discussion of theoretical models of anomalous diffusion of vapors in polmers

  • H.L. Frisch

    Sorption and transport in glassy polymers - a review

    Eng. Sci.

    (1980)
  • C.J. Durning

    Differential sorption in viscoelastic fluids

    J. Polym. Sci. Polym. Phys. Ed.

    (1985)
  • C.E. Rogers

    Permeation of gases and vapours in polymers

  • C.A. Kumins et al.

    Free volume and other theories

  • C.E. Rogers et al.

    The concentration dependence of diffusion coefficients in polymer penetrant systems

    CRC Crit. Rev. Macromol. Sci.

    (1972)
  • Yu.P. Yampol'skii

    Sorption and gas and vapor permeability in membranes based on glassy polymers.

  • H. Fujita

    Diffusion in polymer-diluent systems

    Fortschr. Hochpolym. Forsch.

    (1964)
  • H. Fujita

    Organic vapors above the glass-transition temperature

  • M.S. Suwandi et al.

    Transport of heavy organic vapors through silicone rubber

    J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.

    (1973)
  • H.L. Frisch et al.

    Modified free-volume theory of penetrant diffusion in polymers

    Macromolecules

    (1971)
  • S.S. Kulkarni et al.

    The difussion of CO2, CH4, C2H4, and C3H8 in polyethylene at elevated pressures

    J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.

    (1983)
  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Effect of pressure on gas permeability coefficients. A new applications of “free volume” theory

    J. Polym. Sci.

    (1972)
  • S.A. Stern

    The separation of gases by selective permeation

  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Test of a “free-volume” model of gas permeation through polymer membranes. I. Pure CO2, CH4, C2H4, and C3H8 in polyethylene

    J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.

    (1983)
  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Test of a “free-volume” model of gas permeation through polymer membranes. II. Pure Ar, SF6, CF4, and C2H2F2 in polyethylene

    J. Polym. Sci.

    (1986)
  • S.A. Stern et al.

    Tests of a free-volume model for the permeation of gas mixtures through polymer membranes, CO2C2H4, CO2C3H8 and C2H4C3H8 mixtures in polyethylene

    J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.

    (1983)
  • Cited by (0)

    View full text