Materials for next-generation molecularly selective synthetic membranes

Materials research is key to enable synthetic membranes for large-scale, energy-efficient molecular separations. Materials with rigid, engineered pore structures add an additional degree of freedom to create advanced membranes by providing entropically moderated selectivities. Scalability-the capability to efficiently and economically pack membranes into practical modules-is a critical yet often neglected factor to take into account for membrane materials screening. In this Progress Article, we highlight continuing developments and identify future opportunities in scalable membrane materials based on these rigid features, for both gas and liquid phase applications. These advanced materials open the door to a new generation of membrane processes beyond existing materials and approaches. ©The Author(s) 2017.