# Two-Layer Membrane with Tiny, Ordered Pores for Carbon Capture > This patent describes a two-layer filter, called a mixed matrix membrane, that uses a support layer with precisely arranged, uniform tiny holes and a carbon dioxide capture layer to trap CO2. - **Patent:** US 11325075 - **Original title:** Carbon capture membrane - **Owner:** Singapore University of Technology and Design - **Granted:** 2022 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** environmental, energy, materials, chemical_engineering, manufacturing ## What it does This patent describes a carbon capture mixed matrix membrane designed to separate carbon dioxide from other gases. It features a "polymeric support layer" (Claim 1) that is 50-500 micrometers thick and contains "spatially ordered uniform sized pores" (Claim 1), meaning the tiny holes are arranged in a precise, consistent pattern. These pores can range from 100 nanometers to 100 micrometers in diameter (Claim 5). On or within this support layer is a "carbon dioxide capture layer" (Claim 1), which uses solid porous materials with specific "carbon dioxide adsorption sites" (Claim 1) to attract and hold CO2 molecules. These capture materials can include amine-functionalised substances or metal-organic frameworks like ZIF-8 (Claim 8). For example, exhaust gas from a factory could pass through this membrane, with the capture layer selectively binding the CO2 while allowing other gases to pass through. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover membranes where the polymeric support layer has randomly sized or arranged pores, as it specifies "spatially ordered uniform sized pores" (Claim 1). - Does not cover membranes with a support layer made of non-polymeric materials, as it explicitly claims a "polymeric support layer" (Claim 1). - Does not cover general gas separation membranes that are not specifically designed with "at least one carbon dioxide adsorption site" (Claim 1). - Does not cover membranes where the polymeric support layer is thinner than 50 micrometers or thicker than 500 micrometers (Claim 1). - Does not cover membranes that are purely polymeric or purely inorganic, as it specifies a "mixed matrix membrane" (Claim 1) combining polymer and solid porous material. ## The clever bit The truly novel aspect is the "spatially ordered uniform sized pores" in the polymeric support layer. This precise patterning helps ensure consistent gas flow and optimal integration of the CO2 capture material, leading to a more efficient and stable membrane. ## Real-world examples 1. Industrial carbon capture facilities 2. Power plant emissions control systems 3. Direct air capture (DAC) systems 4. Gas separation units in chemical processing ## Why it matters Carbon capture technology is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and power generation, helping to address climate change. Membranes offer a potentially energy-efficient and scalable method for separating CO2. This patent contributes to advancing membrane design by focusing on the precise structural control of the support layer, which can improve the overall efficiency and durability of carbon capture systems. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Two-Layer Membrane with Tiny, Ordered Pores for Carbon Capture cover? This patent describes a two-layer filter, called a mixed matrix membrane, that uses a support layer with precisely arranged, uniform tiny holes and a carbon dioxide capture layer to trap CO2. ### Who owns patent US 11325075? Singapore University of Technology and Design owns this patent, granted in 2022. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on July 10, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Carbon capture technology is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and power generation, helping to address climate change. Membranes offer a potentially energy-efficient and scalable method for separating CO2. This patent contributes to advancing membrane design by focusing on the precise structural control of the support layer, which can improve the overall efficiency and durability of carbon capture systems. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover membranes where the polymeric support layer has randomly sized or arranged pores, as it specifies "spatially ordered uniform sized pores" (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11325075/carbon-capture-membrane **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11325075 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Capturing Carbon Dioxide While Making Industrial Materials](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20220203297/systems-and-methods-for-carbon-capture) — This patent describes a system and method for capturing carbon dioxide released during industrial processes like making cement or steel, while also producing useful materials and recovering energy. - [How to Capture Carbon Dioxide from Air or Smoke Using Seawater](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11648507/process-and-apparatus-of-ocean-carbon-capture-and-storage) — This patent describes a system that uses natural seawater to wash carbon dioxide out of industrial smoke or the air, then stores it safely in the ocean, aiming for an affordable, green way to fight climate change. - [Making Chemicals from Carbon Dioxide and Steam Using Electricity](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20110132770/process-for-producing-compounds-of-the-cxhyoz-type-by-reduction-of-carbon-dioxid) — This patent describes a process that uses electricity to split steam and then reacts the resulting hydrogen with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide to create various carbon-based compounds, like fuels or plastics. - [How Fuel Cells Get Even Gas Flow with Special Layers](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10468695/gas-distribution-element-for-a-fuel-cell) — This patent describes a fuel cell component that uses a special two-layer design with linear channels and transverse openings to evenly spread fuel gas for better performance. - [Making Iron More Efficiently and Generating Power with Oxygen](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8133298/blast-furnace-iron-production-with-integrated-power-generation) — This patent describes an integrated system that uses extra oxygen in a blast furnace to make iron more efficiently, while also capturing the furnace's waste gases to generate electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.