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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N014960/1
Title: Mixed-Matrix Membranes Integrating Metal-Organic Frameworks: Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Engineering Performance
Principal Investigator: Tan, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Anton Paar UK Ltd National Physical Laboratory
Department: Engineering Science
Organisation: University of Oxford
Scheme: First Grant - Revised 2009
Starts: 30 April 2016 Ends: 31 October 2017 Value (£): 98,935
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Eng. Dynamics & Tribology Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
25 Nov 2015 Engineering Prioritisation Panel Meeting 25th and 26th November 2015 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Polymer composite membranes containing nanostructured fillers have many potential applications in industrial sectors. For example, in emergent technologies ranging from carbon dioxide capture and sequestration to hydrogen purification, and for use in water desalination and vapor recovery systems, as well as in medical devices and smart sensors. Next-generation mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) which incorporate porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), offer the unique opportunity for combining high selectivity and chemical tuneability of MOFs with the ease of processing and robustness intrinsic to conventional polymers. While the development of such MOF-polymer mixed-matrix membranes is in its infancy, there are already archetypal composite systems recently discovered that demonstrate substantial improvement in its functional performance (particularly gas/liquid permeability and selectivity properties). Much progress has been accomplished in this rapidly growing area. However, many important questions remain to be answered about its core mechanical-thermal properties and long-term chemical stability; its structure-function mechanical correlation information is scarce and, hitherto membrane structural integrity (under static or dynamic loading) is not well understood. This project will address the aforementioned problems, establishing an accurate knowledge of the underpinning physical properties, and pinpointing microscopic mechanisms that control the structural and functional performance of novel membranes. This research will yield systematic structure-function relationships, formulate innovative methodologies and detailed material model descriptions, which will enable prediction, rational design and engineering of new membranes. Resilient composite membranes featuring an improved damage tolerance coupled with optimal functionalities will enable many energy, environmental and multifunctional technologies benefitting the wider public.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk