Innovative Carbon-containing Membrane for Water and Gas Separation

TO-223 • PT 1.3054 • As of 06/2025
Institute of Energy Materials and Devices
Material Synthesis and Processing (IMD-2)

Technology

Our new technology is an innovative carbon-based membrane designed for the separation of gas, vapor, and liquid mixtures. This membrane consists of one or more layers incorporating polymerized catecholamines and can be produced using advanced fabrication methods. It functions as a molecular sieve, enabling highly selective separation based on molecular size. The membrane’s structure can be homogeneous (very thin for high permeability) or asymmetric (a thin separation layer on a robust, porous support), offering both high selectivity and mechanical stability.

The technology leverages the unique chemical and thermal resilience of carbon materials, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments. Its versatility allows for use in diverse applications, from gas purification and solvent dehydration to the separation of complex mixtures, providing a modern, energy-efficient alternative to traditional separation methods like distillation and adsorption.

Problem addressed

Prior to this innovation, separation membranes faced significant limitations. Conventional polymer membranes, while easy to manufacture, often lacked the stability required for high-temperature, high-pressure, or chemically aggressive environments. Ceramic and carbon-based membranes, though more robust, were difficult to produce as defect-free thin layers with uniform, molecular-scale pores—essential for precise separation of the smallest gases like hydrogen and helium. Many existing membranes relied on less selective mechanisms such as Knudsen diffusion, resulting in poor separation performance. Additionally, widely used silica and zeolite membranes suffered from limited resistance to acidic, alkaline, or hydrothermal conditions, restricting their lifespan and application range. Attempts to improve these materials often failed to achieve the necessary combination of pore size control, chemical stability, and mechanical robustness, leaving a gap for a truly high-performance, versatile membrane solution.

Solution

The new carbon-based membrane overcomes previous shortcomings by combining the chemical and thermal stability of carbon materials with advanced structural control. Its design allows for the creation of molecular sieve layers with precisely tuned pore sizes, enabling the selective separation of even the smallest molecules, such as hydrogen and helium, from complex mixtures. Unlike earlier membranes, this technology maintains integrity and performance under harsh industrial conditions, including exposure to aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and hydrothermal environments. The use of polymerized catecholamines as a precursor enables the formation of robust, defect-free layers, addressing the mechanical fragility seen in earlier carbon membranes. This results in a membrane that delivers high selectivity, long operational life, and broad compatibility with existing industrial processes. For licensees, these advantages translate into lower maintenance costs, improved process efficiency, and the ability to tackle challenging separation tasks that were previously unfeasible.

Benefits and Potential Use

This advanced membrane technology is poised to revolutionize a wide range of industrial separation processes. In the chemical and petrochemical sectors, it enables efficient hydrogen recovery, gas purification, and the dehydration of organic solvents—critical steps in modern production chains. Environmental applications include the treatment of industrial emissions, removal of contaminants from process streams, and water purification under challenging conditions. The membrane’s resilience and selectivity make it ideal for use in energy generation, such as fuel cell technology and biogas upgrading, as well as in pharmaceutical and food processing industries where purity and reliability are paramount. Its compatibility with existing systems and adaptability to various operational requirements make it a highly attractive licensing opportunity for companies seeking to enhance their separation capabilities, reduce energy consumption, and gain a competitive edge in increasingly demanding markets.

Development Status and Next Steps

Forschungszentrum Jülich has extensive expertise in this field and holds several patents. The technology described above is continuously being developed further. The Institute of Energy Materials and Devices-Material Synthesis and Processing (IMD-2) – already cooperates with numerous national and international companies and scientific partners. Forschungszentrum Jülich focuses on energy and cost-efficient devices, suitable for various emerging technologies. We are continuously seeking for cooperation partners and/or licensees in this and adjacent areas of research and applications.

CONTACT US

Dr. Ute Schelhaas

Innovationsmanagerin

Building 15.3 /
Room 3009

+49 2461/61-9007

E-Mail

Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg

• Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD)
• Materials Synthesis and Processing (IMD-2)

Building 01.3z /
Room 5010

+49 2461/61-6323

E-Mail

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