Industrial purification and separation processes account for 10 15% of the world’s energy consumption and are responsible for 16% of the total CO2 emissions. Membrane-based separations use 90% less energy than distillations. Based on some recent exceptional results obtained in the Smith lab, this SuperUROP will focus on analyzing a family of novel polymeric materials belonging to the family of poly(arylene ethers) (PAEs). This polymer family has exceptional preliminary separation for H2/N2 and O2/N2 gas separations. Besides the study of the transport properties, the polymers will be also characterized in terms of structural properties in order to gather all the necessary information to understand the transport mechanisms and eventually design better polymers for gas separation.

I really wanted to participate in the SuperUROP program to improve my science communication skills. I have also been able to focus more deeply in my research are really explore how it connects to my coursework and future ambitions.