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Spirocyclic poly(vinylene ether ketone) membranes with enhanced microporosity for energy-efficient alcohol-hydrocarbon azeotrope separation

Author

Listed:
  • Jiaqi Li

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Yijie Fang

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Ruiyan Xiong

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Weilin Feng

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Hukang Guo

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Fupeng Li

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Mengxiao Zhang

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Shuai Wang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Chuanjie Fang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Baoku Zhu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Young Moo Lee

    (Hanyang University)

  • Liping Zhu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

Abstract

The energy-efficient separation of azeotropic organic mixtures remains a critical challenge in chemical manufacturing. Conventional thermal-driven processes like distillation and pervaporation face fundamental thermodynamic constraints, requiring energy-intensive phase transitions. We present a pressure-driven membrane solution using a spirocyclic poly(vinylene ether ketone) membrane with enhanced microporosity that achieves alcohol-selective permeation from alcohol-hydrocarbon azeotropes. The membrane demonstrates separation factors of 330 for ethanol/cyclohexane and 74 for ethanol/heptane systems, while reducing energy consumption by 2-3 orders of magnitude compared to conventional methods. Through multiscale characterization and molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidate the dual mechanism governing separation performance: differential surface adsorption affinity and restricted hydrocarbon diffusion within micropores of membrane. Here, we show a molecular sieving strategy bypasses traditional volatility-based separation paradigms, offering an approach for azeotrope fractionation with transformative potential for sustainable chemical processing.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiaqi Li & Yijie Fang & Ruiyan Xiong & Weilin Feng & Hukang Guo & Fupeng Li & Mengxiao Zhang & Shuai Wang & Chuanjie Fang & Baoku Zhu & Young Moo Lee & Liping Zhu, 2025. "Spirocyclic poly(vinylene ether ketone) membranes with enhanced microporosity for energy-efficient alcohol-hydrocarbon azeotrope separation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64965-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64965-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David S. Sholl & Ryan P. Lively, 2016. "Seven chemical separations to change the world," Nature, Nature, vol. 532(7600), pages 435-437, April.
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