Development of Ion-Jelly® membranes

In this work for the first time Ion-Jelly® membranes were developed and characterized. Ion-Jelly® is a new green and sustainable gel material, obtained by addition of an ionic liquid to gelatine. Three different ionic liquids ([EMIM][DCA], [BMIM][DCA] and [BMPyr][DCA]), were used to study the difference in the membrane properties introduced by changes in the ionic liquid cation. The physical properties of the membranes were characterized by traction, contact angles, and SEM. These membranes were further tested in separation processes using supercritical carbon dioxide for the fractionation of a model mixture made of oleic acid and squalene and for the separation of biodiesel products and reagents. The permeability to pure gases (H2, N2, O2, CO2 and CH4) was also determined and ideal selectivities calculated.

► Membranes based in ionic liquids and gelatin were developed, characterized and tested.
► Ion-Jelly® membranes used in supercritical CO2 processes with like permeabilities to reverse osmosis membranes.
► No degradation of Ion-Jelly® membranes was observed under supercritical CO2 conditions.
► Ion-Jelly® membranes suitable to biodiesel separation from non-converted oil and glycerol.