Multi-Functional Polymer Membranes Enable Integrated CO2 Capture and Conversion in a Single, Continuous-Flow Membrane Reactor under Mild Conditions

Herein, we present a membrane-based system designed to capture CO2 from dilute mixtures and convert the captured CO2 into value-added products in a single integrated process operated continuously under mild conditions. Specifically, we demonstrate that quaternized poly-(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) membranes are selective CO2 separation membranes that are also catalytically active for cyclic carbonate synthesis from the cycloaddition of CO2 to epichlorohydrin. We further demonstrate that quaternized P4VP membranes can integrate CO2 capture, including from dilute mixtures down to 0.1 kPa of CO2, with CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonates at 57 C-degrees and atmospheric pressure. The catalytic membrane acts as both the CO2 capture and conversion medium, providing an energy-efficient alternative to sorbent-based capture, compression, transport, and storage. The membrane is also potentially tunable for the conversion of CO2 to a variety of products, including chemicals and fuels not limited to cyclic carbonates, which would be a transformative shift in carbon capture and utilization technology.

Automated summary

In this study, a membrane-based system was developed to capture CO2 from dilute mixtures and convert it into value-added products continuously and under mild conditions. The quaternized poly-(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) membranes were found to be selective for CO2 separation and catalytically active for cyclic carbonate synthesis. The integration of CO2 capture and conversion in the catalytic membrane provides an energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods of capture, compression, transport, and storage. Furthermore, the membrane can potentially be tuned for the conversion of CO2 into various products, bringing a transformative shift in carbon capture and utilization technology.