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Problem

The separation of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons and other small molecules are energy intensive and difficult processes. For example, the separation of propylene (C₃H₆) and propane (C₃H₈) via distillation is one of the most energy-intensive separations used on a commercial scale, using up to 0.3% of the global energy consumption. High demand and energy intensive separation technologies have spurred significant interest in the advancement of alternative separation technologies.

Solution

Prof. William Medlen’s group has developed zeolite materials that are functionalized with a novel self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The synthesis of the functionalized zeolites is straightforward and uses low-cost, commercially available reagents. The gas diffusivity rate and adsorption properties of the functionalized zeolite can be tuned by varying the tail length of the SAM. A functionalized zeolite-5A material was specifically developed for light gas separations, resulting in a propylene/propane ideal adsorption selectivity of 59±14, which to our knowledge is far higher than any other sorption-based selectivity reported to date.

Market Application

Separation of propane and propylene. Propylene is a very large-volume commercial business that is growing. The main use of propylene is in the production of polypropylene, a $75B industry that is expected to grow to nearly $100B in the next five years. The extension to other industrial relevant light gas separations is on-going.

What's Next?

Seeking industy partner to advise on and assist with commercial implementation.