Abstract
•A review on membranes for separation of energy-relevant gas mixtures is timely reported.•The opportunities and challenges in applying porous materials in membranes are declared.•A discussion on limitations and possible improvements of the current membrane systems is addressed.•Key aspects in highly intensified membrane modules is provided.
Membranes containing nanoporous materials (such as zeolites, metal–organic materials and 2D materials such as graphene derivatives) may allow more efficient separation of gas mixtures relevant to emerging energy technologies. For example, such membranes could be applied in the separation of gases containing mixtures of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). However, these membranes are currently at a relatively low technology readiness level. Hence, here we review the opportunities and challenges of applying these porous materials in practice and at scale in membranes for possible commercialization. Besides, we highlight the necessity of improvements in the porosity control of 2D materials and the decrease in the selective membrane skin layer when adapted in asymmetric membranes. In this latter point, we declare the main limitations of porous supports, as well as the further developments needed in the gutter layer and supports. Additionally, we review the main membrane module configurations and process requirements, declaring the most suitable configurations (e.g. spiral wound and hollow fiber modules) at scale with promising future for highly intensified membrane modules for application in CO2 and H2 separations. Finally, apart from the conclusions derived from this review, we outline useful recommendations for the researchers in the field.