Water-based membrane waves through carbon dioxide, blocks other gases

A thin water layer stabilised by hydrophilic nanopores can facilitate carbon dioxide separation. The new membrane shows better selectivity and permeability than state-of-the-art materials, with a smaller environmental impact.

To separate carbon dioxide from other gases, industrial applications typically rely on methods like amine scrubbing or cryogenic separation. While effective, these technologies are energy-intensive and use hazardous chemicals. Membranes made of nanoporous or polymeric materials offer a simpler, more efficient option but suffer from a trade-off between gas permeability and selectivity. By infusing porous supports with gas-selective liquids, often ionic liquids, high carbon dioxide selectivities can be achieved. However, during operation, their permeability suffers as chemical sorption sites become saturated, leading to blowouts.