A periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanoparticle functionalized nanocomposite membrane (NCM) for membrane distillation, the NCM including: polymer fibers such as polyetherimide fibers aggregated into a matrix; and hydrophobic PMO nanoparticles disposed on the polymer fibers. The PMO nanoparticles include a framework connected by organic groups and pentafluorophenyl groups. Good membrane flux and anti-fouling was demonstrated. Membranes can be prepared by electrospinning.

A periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanoparticle functionalized nanocomposite membrane (NCM) for membrane distillation, the NCM including: polymer fibers such as polyetherimide fibers aggregated into a matrix; and hydrophobic PMO nanoparticles disposed on the polymer fibers. The PMO nanoparticles include a framework connected by organic groups and pentafluorophenyl groups. Good membrane flux and anti-fouling was demonstrated. Membranes can be prepared by electrospinning.

Apparatus, methods and uses for separating gas mixtures of at least two different gases under magnetic field and employing a membrane are described.

Apparatus, methods and uses for separating gas mixtures of at least two different gases under magnetic field and employing a membrane are described.

A preparation method of separation membrane is provided. First, a polyimide composition including a dissolvable polyimide, a crosslinking agent, and a solvent is provided. The dissolvable polyimide is represented by formula 1:

##STR00001##

wherein B is a tetravalent organic group derived from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing aromatic group, A is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group, A′ is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group and carboxylic acid group, and 0.1≦X≦0.9. The crosslinking agent is an aziridine crosslinking agent, an isocyanate crosslinking agent, an epoxy crosslinking agent, a diamine crosslinking agent, or a triamine crosslinking agent. A crosslinking process is performed on the polyimide composition. The polyimide composition which has been subjected to the crosslinking process is coated on a substrate to form a polyimide membrane. A dry phase inversion process is performed on the polyimide membrane.

A preparation method of separation membrane is provided. First, a polyimide composition including a dissolvable polyimide, a crosslinking agent, and a solvent is provided. The dissolvable polyimide is represented by formula 1:

##STR00001##

wherein B is a tetravalent organic group derived from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing aromatic group, A is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group, A′ is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group and carboxylic acid group, and 0.1≦X≦0.9. The crosslinking agent is an aziridine crosslinking agent, an isocyanate crosslinking agent, an epoxy crosslinking agent, a diamine crosslinking agent, or a triamine crosslinking agent. A crosslinking process is performed on the polyimide composition. The polyimide composition which has been subjected to the crosslinking process is coated on a substrate to form a polyimide membrane. A dry phase inversion process is performed on the polyimide membrane.

A preparation method of separation membrane is provided. First, a polyimide composition including a dissolvable polyimide, a crosslinking agent and a solvent is provided. The dissolvable polyimide is represented by formula 1:

##STR00001## wherein B is a tetravalent organic group derived from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing aromatic group, A is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group, A′ is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group and carboxylic acid group, and 0.1≦X≦0.9. The crosslinking agent is an aziridine crosslinking agent, an isocyanate crosslinking agent, an epoxy crosslinking agent, a diamine crosslinking agent, or a triamine crosslinking agent. A crosslinking process is performed on the polyimide composition. The polyimide composition which has been subjected to the crosslinking process is coated on a substrate to form a polyimide membrane. A wet phase inversion process is performed on the polyimide membrane.

A preparation method of separation membrane is provided. First, a polyimide composition including a dissolvable polyimide, a crosslinking agent and a solvent is provided. The dissolvable polyimide is represented by formula 1:

##STR00001## wherein B is a tetravalent organic group derived from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing aromatic group, A is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group, A′ is a divalent organic group derived from a diamine containing aromatic group and carboxylic acid group, and 0.1≦X≦0.9. The crosslinking agent is an aziridine crosslinking agent, an isocyanate crosslinking agent, an epoxy crosslinking agent, a diamine crosslinking agent, or a triamine crosslinking agent. A crosslinking process is performed on the polyimide composition. The polyimide composition which has been subjected to the crosslinking process is coated on a substrate to form a polyimide membrane. A wet phase inversion process is performed on the polyimide membrane.

The invention provides mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for olefin/paraffin separation and methodes of making and using the same. The MMMs comprise a continuous polymer matrix with metal doped zeolite nano-particles. A separation technology based upon the composite membranes is effective for propylene and other olefin separation from olefin/paraffin mixtures, and the separation is more energy-efficient than the conventional cryogenic technique.

The invention provides mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for olefin/paraffin separation and methodes of making and using the same. The MMMs comprise a continuous polymer matrix with metal doped zeolite nano-particles. A separation technology based upon the composite membranes is effective for propylene and other olefin separation from olefin/paraffin mixtures, and the separation is more energy-efficient than the conventional cryogenic technique.