Efficient Membrane-Based Affinity Separations for Chemical Applications by Gilles VAN EYGEN

The role of chiral amines in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries is substantial, as they are present in 40 to 45 % of small pharmaceuticals and 20 % of agrochemicals. Synthesising chiral amines involves traditional chemical methods and novel enzymatic approaches, including the use of transaminase enzymes as catalysts. However, challenges like equilibrium limitations require innovative strategies such as in situ product removal (ISPR), with membrane extraction (ME) showing potential advantages over conventional methods. This thesis addresses challenges in ME for chiral amines, exploring various extractants including ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DESs), natural oils, and organic extractants. Molecular simulations aid in solvent selection, highlighting the importance of molecular structure in selectivity. Experimental validation of COSMO-RS predictions for IL properties shows promise but disparities remain. ME using supported liquid membranes (SLMs) reveals the influence of extractant properties on membrane stability and performance. Membrane morphology significantly affects SLM performance, with phase inversion, electrospun, and stretched membranes showing distinct characteristics. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) aids in understanding operating parameter effects on process performance, emphasising the superiority of the flat-sheet module. Overall, ME with SLMs shows potential for chiral amine separations, with the choice of extractant and support material crucial for performance optimisation. While organic solvents offer high fluxes, ionic liquids provide stability despite lower fluxes. Deep eutectic solvents offer higher fluxes but lower stability. Support materials with specific characteristics optimise extraction performance. Experimental parameter studies reveal the importance of feed concentration and pH in industrial process design.

Jury members :

• Prof. Bart Van der Bruggen (KU Leuven, Belgium), supervisor
• Prof. Patricia Luis Alconero (UCLouvain, Belgium), supervisor
• Prof. Yann Garcia (UCLouvain), Belgium
• Dr Anita Buekenhoudt (VITO, Belgium)
• Prof. Wim De Malsche (VUB, Belgium)
• Prof. Annabel Braem (KU Leuven, Belgium)

Viso conference link : Teams : 

• • Meeting ID: 357 005 093 839
  • Passcode: Yfr68A