(401r) Innovative Membrane Technology for Efficient CO2 Capture and Acid Gas Enrichment

Natural gas remains a key driver of economic growth and energy diversification in the comping decades, offering a lower-carbon alternative to coal and oil. However, more than 40% of the world’s natural gas reserves are classified as sour, with H₂S concentration exceeding 30 mol% in certain regions. While conventional amine absorption processes effectively remove CO₂ and H₂S before sulfur recovery (Claus) units, they are hindered by high costs, energy-intensive operations, and limited H₂S enrichment capabilities. To address these challenges, cost-effective separation technologies are needed. We have been developing advanced membrane materials designed to enhance acid gas separation under industrial relevant conditions. This presentation will showcase recent progress in membrane design, focusing on the impact of polymer structures on separation performance. Specifically, we will highlight novel glassy polymeric membranes for natural gas sweetening and rubbery polymeric membranes tailored for CO₂ capture and H₂S enrichment. These advancements represent a promising pathway for the practical deployment of next-generation membrane technologies in the energy sector.