Nanoscale filters save energy in biofuel products

Developed by the University of Twente - Netherlands, a new type of filter can withstand high temperatures for a long time. This molecular-sized filter is capable of removing water molecules from solvents and biofuels. This is a very efficient energy saving solution to replace existing distillation techniques.

During the 18-month trial period, the new membranes still showed its effectiveness when operating in a temperature of 150 ^° C. Ceramic and polymer membranes now exist only for a while. Certain short periods of time when they operate in environments include high water and temperature. Scientific researchers have attempted to do this by using a ' synthetic ' material from two types of polymer and ceramic membranes . The result is a type of filter with lots of holes small enough for the smallest molecules to escape.

The cylindrical tube contains a composite membrane, about 100 nanometers thick.The enlarged image shows the enlarged image of the composite membrane containing organic bonding molecules and small holes.Only water molecules escape from the membrane from the left side of the membrane (Photo: University of Twente, Netherlands)

Porcelain filters made of silicon dioxide will degrade when they interact with water and steam. In a filter made of new materials, porcelain parts are replaced with organic links. In this way, the water will not have the opportunity to ' attack ' the filter. The creation of a new synthetic material filter is also simpler than making ceramic filters because the material used to make it is flexible and will not create cracks. It has in common with ceramic filters that it travels fast, an advantage of this feature is that the surface of the filter will be small.

The synthetic filter is suitable for making ' dry ' solvents and biofuels, which will have a huge potential application market worldwide. The advantage of membrane technology is that it consumes less energy than other distillation techniques.

Scientists also predict opportunities in separating hydrogen from gas mixtures. This also means the wide availability of clean energy types. In addition, a synthetic material filter is suitable for desalination. Synthetic membrane filters are smaller than polymer filters but give equal results.

Achieving these results is a close collaboration between the scientific researchers of the inorganic materials research group, the Institute of Nanotechnology, and the University of Amsterdam. The invention has been patented worldwide.