Separation methods and systems

Abstract

Various systems and processes are directed to separating organic compounds using semipermeable materials, such as nanoporous materials. In various implementations, the nanoporous material includes a membrane, a substrate, or a combination of membrane and substrate. In some implementations, the nanoporous material is a liquid infused material comprising wetting fluid intercalated into the pores of the material. The nanoporous material can be wetted with one or more first organic compounds such that the nanoporous material preferentially allows one or more second organic compounds to permeate the nanoporous material to the complete or substantial exclusion of other compounds. In some implementations, the nanoporous material is wetted with an alcohol such that the nanoporous material preferentially allows ethanol to permeate the nanoporous material to the complete or substantial exclusion of other compounds, such as water or other compounds or mixtures. In some implementations, the selective ethanol permeation of the nanoporous material may occur even where the other compounds have smaller molecules than ethanol.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.