ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.


Synergistically Crosslinked PIM-NORB-TB Membranes for Energy-Efficient Hydrocarbon Separation

Abstract: Developing energy-efficient alternatives to conventional thermal separations is crucial to lowering the environmental impact of the petrochemical industry. Membrane-based processes offer a sustainable route, but practical deployment requires materials combining high selectivity with solvent resistance. This project investigates PIM-NORB-TB membranes featuring a synergistic dual crosslinking strategy that integrates covalent (TMC) and coordination (Fe ) linkages. The resulting asymmetric architecture a thin, selective top layer over a microporous support delivers enhanced robustness and molecular sieving performance. Using neutron reflectivity in hydrogenated, deuterated, and contrast-matched solvents (methanol, toluene, and heptane), we will quantify solvent-induced swelling, interfacial morphology, and layer thickness in three membrane variants: uncrosslinked, TMC-crosslinked, and TMC+Fe crosslinked. These insights will establish a direct link between crosslinking chemistry, nanoscale organisation, and separation efficiency, guiding the design of next-generation membranes for energy-efficient hydrocarbon separations.

Principal Investigator: Dr Fabrizia Foglia
Local Contact: Dr Maxmilian Skoda
Experimenter: Miss Zixuan Yu
Experimenter: Mr Adam Morris
Experimenter: Ms Colleen Demetriou
Experimenter: Dr Tiefan Huang
Experimenter: Mr Oliver Shah
Experimenter: Miss Yiran Li
Experimenter: Dr Keenan Smith

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610225

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2610225

Part DOI Instrument Public release date Download Link
10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610225-1 INTER 14 May 2029 Download

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find out more about it.

Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Fabrizia Foglia et al; (2026): Synergistically Crosslinked PIM-NORB-TB Membranes for Energy-Efficient Hydrocarbon Separation, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610225

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.



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