Shape‐Selective Ultramicroporous Carbon Membranes for Sub‐0.1 nm Organic Liquid Separation (Adv. Sci. 17/2021)

Abstract

Organic Solvent Forward Osmosis In article number 2004999, Hyeokjun Seo, Dong‐Yeun Koh, and co‐workers introduce a new concept in separation science that accomplishes energy‐efficient separation of similarly sized organic liquid molecules using ultramicroporous carbon membranes. In the article, the organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) is demonstrated to differentiate complex organic liquid mixture composed of hexane isomers using ‘shape selectivity’ within ultramicropores of the carbon membranes.

Development of Mixed Matrix Membranes with Penetrating Subnanochannels for Efficient Molecule/Ion Separation

“…The range of materials available for separation membranes is vast, with polymeric and inorganic materials being the most commonly employed. [9] To date, a variety of dense or porous separation membranes with distinct pore sizes have been developed for various applications, including nanofiltration, [10] reverse osmosis, [11] liquid separation, [12] gas separation and ion sieves. [13] However, it remains challenging to modulate the pore size of pure polymeric/inorganic membranes themselves to synergistically enhance molecule/ion selectivity and flux.…”