Hierarchical porous membrane for emulsion separation
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsBrian Richmond Solomon, Kripa K. Varnasi, I, Md. Nasim Hyder
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Abstract
Hierarchical porous membranes suitable for use in oil/water separation processes are provided. The membranes described herein are particularly well suited for separating trace amounts of water (e.g., no greater than 3 wt % water content, no greater than 1 wt % water content, or 50-1000 ppm water) from oil. The membranes have a wide range of applications, including deep seep oil exploration, oil purification, and oil spill cleanup.
Claims26
A hierarchical porous membrane suitable for use in oil/water separation processes, wherein the membrane:
- (i) comprises a polymer;
- (ii) is oleophilic;
- (iii) is hydrophobic;
- (iv) has a first layer with small pores;
- and
- (v) has a second layer, wherein the second layer is a support layer that is substantially thicker than the first layer and that has substantially larger pores than the first layer.
A method of preparing a hierarchical porous membrane suitable for use in an oil/water separation process, the method comprising:
- (a) combining a polymer, a pore former, and a solvent to make a polymer solution;
- (b) casting the polymer solution on a plate;
- (c) following step (b), immersing the plate in a non-solvent to allow release of air bubbles;
- and
- (d) optionally, cutting a layer of the membrane resulting from step (c) to undergo coagulation,
- thereby forming the hierarchical porous membrane.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.