Innovative membranes for the separation of organic mixtures by pervaporation by Xiao XU

For the degree of Doctor of Engineering Sciences and Technology

With the advancement in membrane characterization techniques, our understanding and knowledge of pervaporative membranes have significantly improved. Using the "Preferential Sorption-Diffusion and Capillary Flow" concept as a guide, high-efficiency pervaporation membranes for MeOH and DMC separation were designed and synthesized. Firstly, Diffusion and Capillary Flow-dominated membranes using chitosan and ZIF-8 were developed to separate MeOH from low-MeOH concentration feeds. Secondly, Preferential Sorption-dominated membranes using ionic liquids or ZIF-8 to selectively separate DMC from MeOH were designed and synthesized. Finally, the excellent performance of reactive pervaporation with the Diffusion and Capillary Flow-dominated membranes in the glycerol transesterification reaction with DMC was obtained.
This thesis introduces innovative pervaporation membranes guided by the "Preferential Sorption-Diffusion and Capillary Flow". These membranes enhance separation efficiency and reaction yields in equilibrium-limited processes involving MeOH and DMC. Valuable insights for chemical engineering, sustainability, and process efficiency are provided, with the potential to revolutionize industrial practices and minimize environmental impact.

Jury members :

• Prof. Patricia Luis Alconero (UCLouvain, Belgium), supervisor
• Prof.  Sandra Soares-Frazao (UCLouvain, Belgium), chairperson
• Prof.  Alexandru Vlad (UCLouvain, Belgium)
• Dr. Pieter Vandezande (VITO, Belgium)
• Prof. Wojciech Kujawski (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland)
• Prof. Kang Li (Imperial College London, UK)