High-temperature polybenzimidazole membrane for hydrogen
This patent covers a new family of high-performance plastics called polybenzimidazoles that have been chemically modified to include sulfone groups in their backbone. These polymers are synthesized through a specific chemical process and can be formed into membranes capable of operating at high temperatures. The primary application is separating hydrogen from carbon dioxide in industrial gas streams — a critical step in hydrogen purification and carbon capture workflows. The sulfonyl modification is designed to improve the membrane's selectivity and thermal stability compared to conventional polymer membranes.
What you could build
A membrane module for high-temperature hydrogen purification, sold to hydrogen producers, ammonia manufacturers, and pre-combustion carbon capture operators who need to replace energy-intensive pressure-swing adsorption systems with a lower-cost continuous separation alternative.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based energy and defense contractors (e.g., those supporting fuel cell or hydrogen logistics programs) and chemical engineering firms involved in carbon capture technology development.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- James E. McGrath, Judy S. Riffle, Benny D. Freeman
- Granted
- January 29, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10188992
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.