The NanoMaterials Enhanced Membranes for Carbon Capture (NanoMEMC2) project has been funded by the European Commission through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program under Grant Agreement number 727734. The programme aims to reduce the cost, energy and process limitations that make pre- and post-combustion CO₂ capture non-viable in many industrial applications at present. Through the development of innovative materials, membranes and membrane processes for carbon capture, the project aims to make possible a substantial reduction in energy penalty, a much lower cost and a reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Through the work so far, we have identified a number of industry sectors to target for membrane-based separation – predominantly for carbon capture (for CO₂ separation) but also for natural and bio-gas upgrading (through both CO₂ and H₂ separation). These include a natural gas combined cycle system, an integrated gasification combined cycle, H₂ generation through steam-methane reforming and a cement plant.

Nanocomposite or mixed matrix membranes are being considered, with particular focus on facilitated transport mechanisms promoted by carriers attached to the polymer or the filler. Graphene-based nanosheets and cellulose nanofibres are currently being studied in detail, considering their possible modification to improve polymer compatibility and affinity with CO₂. A new generation of Facilitated Transport Mixed Matrix (FTMM) membranes for CCS applications will be developed with increased CO₂ flux and selectivity beyond the current target for industrial deployment of carbon capture membrane technologies.

Recently, NanoMEMC2 hosted a scientific workshop at the University of Sheffield which focused on highlighting the research capabilities of the academic partners in the area of carbon capture, to showcase and disseminate their high-profile work in this field, outlining previous research and linking it to the current NanoMEMC2 programme There were participants from across Europe, in addition to a number of UK universities, who joined in with the technical discussion, lead by a panel of the speakers and members of the project advisory board. The technical panel identified how we are collectively contributing to the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, specifically membrane-based separation processes in energy and other carbon intensive sectors.

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