University of California

Brent F Espinoza

Jennifer S Young

Betty S Jorgensen

Gregory S Long

A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by reacting polybenzimidazole (PBI) with the sulfone-containing crosslinking agent 3,4-dichloro-tetrahydro-thiophene-1,1-dioxide. The cross-linked reaction product exhibits enhanced gas permeability to hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane as compared to the unmodified analog, without significant loss of selectivity, at temperatures from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 400 degrees Celsius.

Cross-linked polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation

A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by layering a solution of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and &#x3b1;,&#x3b1;'dibromo-p-xylene onto a porous support and evaporating solvent. A supported membrane of cross-linked poly-2,2&#x2032;-(m-phenylene)-5,5&#x2032;-bibenzimidazole unexpectedly exhibits an enhanced gas permeability compared to the non-cross linked analog at temperatures over 265&#xb0; C.

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Los Alamos, NM, United States of America

Brent F Espinoza