Development of Novel Alternating Ionic Polyimides for Gas Separation Membranes

Recently, several promising classes of promising polymer materials have emerged as advanced gas separation membranes.  Here, we focus on combining two of these materials platforms in the form of novel polymers with alternating ionic and polyimide groups.  These materials present opportunities for unique nano- and microstructures that can impart high fractional free volume and enhanced permeation of gases such as CO₂.  Given the number of simple precursors available for study, a large number of unique materials is possible.  This presentation will discuss our synthetic techniques, polymer physical properties, gas permeation and molecular modeling.