NETL researchers highlighted the Lab’s robust research to develop effective membranes for post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture at the North American Membrane Society’s 28th Annual Meeting.

The meeting, held May 11-15 in Pittsburgh, attracted the world’s top scientists pursuing groundbreaking membranes research. Workshops, plenary lectures, technical sessions and poster exhibits focused on this year’s theme, “Membrane Separations for Emerging Water, Energy and Health Applications.”

For energy applications, membrane technologies use permeable or semi-permeable materials to selectively separate and transport CO₂ from flue gases. The relative simplicity of membrane-based CO₂ capture processes offers reduced capital and maintenance costs as compared to other separation technologies. NETL’s membranes research focuses on the development of low-cost, durable membranes with improved permeability and selectivity, thermal and physical stability, and tolerance to contaminants in combustion flue gas.

Thanks to the Lab’s aggressive research on carbon capture membranes, NETL was well-represented at the annual meeting. Two scientists — David Hopkinson, Technical Portfolio Lead for Carbon Capture, and Grigorios Panagakos, with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education program — co-chaired plenary sessions. Hopkinson’s sessions focused on assessing performance, robustness and scalability for carbon capture, while Panagakos’ sessions targeted innovation in module modeling and design.

Three teams featuring NETL researchers shared their work during the oral sessions, including two groups investigating the use of mixed-matrix membranes. These innovative membranes incorporate porous nanoparticles, known as metal-organic frameworks, into the matrix of a sturdy polymer to enhance its capabilities for carbon capture.

Additional NETL researchers and collaborators highlighted their efforts with posters displayed throughout the meeting. The Lab exhibited nine posters that spanned four different areas of innovation within membranes research: materials, synthesis and characterization for gases; energy applications; water treatment; and modeling of fundamentals and processes.

NETL’s carbon capture research and development program encompasses more than 180 internal and external R&D projects, including membranes, solvents, sorbents and novel concepts for pre- and post-combustion technologies. The Lab is leveraging cutting-edge research facilities, world-class technical expertise and strategic collaborations to develop efficient and economical carbon-capture solutions that ensure the availability of clean, reliable and affordable energy from America’s abundant domestic resources.

To learn more about NETL’s carbon capture research, click here.