On October 7, the research team led by Jiang Zhongyi and He Guangwei from Tianjin University unveiled a groundbreaking all-organic mixed matrix membrane. This innovation tackles the long-standing challenge of harmonizing membrane separation efficiency with processability, paving the way for a novel material solution that facilitates low-energy, cost-effective carbon capture in industrial gas streams. The findings were reported on the same day in Nature Energy, a prestigious international academic journal.

In simulated flue gas mixture tests, the new membrane exhibited a remarkable leap in carbon dioxide permeability, achieving an order-of-magnitude enhancement that surpasses previously documented records. Its performance approached 70% of the theoretical value predicted for pure COF (covalent organic framework) membranes by computational models. Moreover, the membrane maintained stable operation even in the presence of moisture, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, showcasing exceptional long-term durability.

Preliminary techno-economic analysis reveals that, under specific process and cost conditions, the cost of carbon capture using this membrane is estimated at approximately $38 per ton of carbon dioxide.