Aims of the project

Goal: In the area of separation techniques, the membrane processes possess a very strong position. In many processes (e.g. separation of metal ions, pervaporation, separation of gases and vapors as well as fuel cells) an insufficient selectivity of a membrane creates serious problems in the successful application of these processes in a wider practice. There is an important and constant search for new membrane materials and possibilities to modify the existing materials (e.g. membranes with inorganic filling, metal organic frameworks, polymeric inclusive membranes). Ionic liquids (ILs), due to their unique properties are also tested as a potential filler of polymeric membranes. However, the main disadvantage of already applied membranes filled with ionic liquids is progressive and uncontrollable release of ionic liquid to the environment.

The main aim of the research is a design of new type of ILs and preparation of polymer-ionic liquid systems, in which ionic liquids will be permanently linked to the polymeric structure. As a consequence of these links, improvement of membrane stability and reduction of membrane degradation caused by the ionic liquid leachate can be expected.

The project aims at the following research goals:

• design and synthesis of reactive (RILs) and polymerizable (PILs) ionic liquids based on the imidazolium or ammonium cation. The chosen counter-ions (cations) will be also used.

• creation of polymeric materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) with immobilized RILs.

• characterization of obtained materials by evaluation of their mechanical, tribological and physicochemical properties.

• assessment of the selective and transport properties of the membranes prepared from modified polymers. The membranes will be utilized in membrane separation processes (separation of metal ions, separation of liquid and gas/vapor mixtures).