Title: Supported mesoporous carbon ultrafiltration membrane and process for making the same

Abstract

A novel supported mesoporous carbon ultrafiltration membrane and process for producing the same. The membranes comprise a mesoporous carbon layer that exists both within and external to the porous support. A liquid polymer precursor composition comprising both carbonizing and noncarbonizing templating polymers is deposited on the porous metal support. The coated support is then heated in an inert-gas atmosphere to pyrolyze the polymeric precursor and form a mesoporous carbon layer on and within the support. The pore-size of the membranes is dependent on the molecular weight of the noncarbonizing templating polymer precursor. The mesoporous carbon layer is stable and can withstand high temperatures and exposure to organic chemicals. Additionally, the porous metal support provides excellent strength properties. The composite structure of the membrane provides novel structural properties and allows for increased operating pressures allowing for greater membrane flow rates. The invention also relates to the use of the novel ultrafiltration membrane to separate macromolecules from solution. An example is shown separating bovine serum albumin from water. The membrane functions by separating and by selective adsorption. Because of the membrane's porous metal support, it is well suited to industrial applications. The unique properties of the supported mesoporous carbon membrane also allowmore » the membrane to be used in transient pressure or temperature swing separations processes. Such processes were not previously possible with existing mesoporous membranes. The present invention, however, possesses the requisite physical properties to perform such novel ultrafiltration processes. « less

Inventors:

Strano, Michael; Foley, Henry C.; Agarwal, Hans

Issue Date:

2004-04-13

Research Org.:

The University of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1174804

Patent Number(s):

6719147

Application Number:

09/844,567

Assignee:

The University of Delaware (Newark, DE)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01D - SEPARATION

C - CHEMISTRY C04 - CEMENTS C04B - LIME, MAGNESIA

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01D - SEPARATION

B01D2323/12 - Specific ratios of components used
B01D67/003 - {by selective elimination of components, e.g. by leaching}
B01D67/0067 - {by carbonisation or pyrolysis}
B01D69/10 - Supported membranes
B01D69/12 - Composite membranes
B01D71/021 - {Carbon}

C - CHEMISTRY C04 - CEMENTS C04B - LIME, MAGNESIA

C04B2111/00801 - {Membranes
C04B35/52 - based on carbon, e.g. graphite
C04B38/0022 - {obtained by a chemical conversion or reaction other than those relating to the setting or hardening of cement-like material or to the formation of a sol or a gel, e.g. by carbonising or pyrolysing preformed cellular materials based on polymers, organo-metallic or organo-silicon precursors}
C04B38/0054 - {the pores being microsized or nanosized}
C04B38/0064 - {Multimodal pore size distribution}
C04B38/067 - {Macromolecular compounds

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DOE Contract Number:  

FG02-97ER14802

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE