Gas separation membranes

This technology builds upon the same principles as the alignment process used for our electrically or thermally conductive films.

We filed two patent applications in 2019 on membranes for gas separation. The gas separation membranes that are available today – which have high permeability – are not selective enough to be competitive with conventional CCS systems. The insufficient selectivity causes too much of the unwanted gas to pass through, hampering further processing. This can however be resolved with our patented membranes.

Combating climate change

The International Energy Agency has estimated that 3,400 CCS plants will be needed globally by 2050 to fulfil the Paris agreement and keep the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. CondAlign strives to be a part of the solution.

Carbon capture and storage, CCS, is a necessary technology to combat climate change. Efficient and cost-effective membrane-based CO2 capture is one of the processes that is needed to make that happen.

Perfect for small scale installations

Gas separation by polymeric membranes is attractive from a process standpoint, as they offer a smaller footprint and do not require the use of harmful chemicals. This makes the technology appealing for industrial applications.

In addition, smaller facilities such as farms, waste plants and bio-refineries are huge contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Our future membrane modules are compatible with and economically viable for small scale installations.

The MembrAlign project

The project started in 2018 and is partly funded by the Research Council of Norway. It combines the membrane competence of SINTEF Industry and the membrane team at NTNU, with CondAlign's alignment technology. If successful, the project will lead to ground-breaking materials and processes that will enable next generation gas separation membranes.

Excellent selectivity

In the MembrAlign project, CondAlign develops new and improved gas separation membranes, with selectivity of more than 100. This means that for every 100 parts of CO2 transported through the membranes, no more than 1 part of nitrogen or methane can pass.

The increased selectivity will be achieved by embedding advanced nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix to improve the separation performance.

CondAlign Capture

CondAlign Capture a subsidiary of CondAlign, was established in 2020 and elevates the importance of our work with gas separation membranes. It has the potential of developing a break-through product that enables CCS locally.