CTS-9315090 University of Colorado Richard D. Noble ABSTRACT Ag{SYMBOL 43 f "Symbol"}- doped Nafion and block copolymer, ionomer membranes will be prepared for separations involving alkanes, monoenes and dienes. Preliminary data indicate high selectivities with these systems. Adsorption isotherms and transmembrane fluxes for single component and multicomponent feed mixtures are to be measured. Microstructure will be varied by means of solvent swelling and synthesis of different block copolymers in order to understand the results with Nafion and to extend them to other classes of polymers. Interest in membrane-based separations derives largely from possible savings in energy and associated environmental and economic costs. Many consumer products from automobile tires to electronic devices to detergents depend on purification of olefins for high quality.
