Nanoporous polymer membranes for Sensor Technology

Membrane gas sensors with rapid detection of CO2 concentration have applications ranging from oceanic measurements to the oil and gas industry. The response time of the gas sensors, which inc_orporates a gas permeable membrane, is inherently limited by the permeance of the targeted analyte through the membrane. Commercial CO2- permeable membranes, such as PDMS, have low gas permeability and permeance and poor selectivity.

This proposal aims to design and fabricate new gas permeable membranes using high CO2 permeability membrane materials known as polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). We aim to achieve high CO2 gas permeance (above 2000 GPU) and high selectivity towards water. We will also integrate the membranes in the sensor device and evaluate the performance in the device which will provide feedback for improvement of the membrane design and surface modification for improvement of resistance towards biofouling and ageing.