Membranes are versatile materials, capable of achieving much in a small package. They have been widely explored for CO2 capture applications to enhance capture performance. However, conventional membrane synthesis employs toxic solvents and fossil-derived polymers, raising questions in the net environmental impact of membrane-based processes.  Bio-based polymers such as PLA, present as a potential base polymer for the synthesis of sustainable membranes. In this seminar, I will explain how to design PLA-based membranes for CO2 capture by discussing the influence of membrane synthesis parameters on membrane morphology. The effect of morphology on membrane stability and CO2 capture performance will then be highlighted. Despite the susceptibility of PLA membranes under CO2 capture conditions, its performance could initially compete against commercial fossil-based membranes. Further efforts in improving PLA stability under CO2 capture conditions are needed for their successful implementation as sustainable membranes.

Speaker : Kamyll Cocon