MIT researchers develop breakthrough membrane technology for cleaner, more efficient oil refining

Cambridge, MA – In a major leap toward decarbonizing the petrochemical industry, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), led by Professor Zachary P. Smith, have unveiled a new class of microporous polyimine membranes capable of efficiently separating complex liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. This innovation could drastically reduce the energy footprint of crude oil refining and other chemical separation processes.

Published in Science on May 22, the study introduces a novel membrane design that leverages acid-catalyzed interfacial polymerization to create ultramicroporous structures. These membranes outperform conventional polyamide-based systems by offering superior resistance to swelling and plasticization—common challenges in organic solvent environments.

The team, which includes collaborators from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Sungkyunkwan University, engineered the membranes by replacing traditional amide linkages with imine bonds and incorporating rigid, shape-persistent units like triptycene and spirobifluorene. This molecular architecture enables the membranes to selectively and rapidly transport hydrocarbons, even in multicomponent industrial mixtures.

“Membrane-based separation offers a transformative alternative to distillation, which currently accounts for nearly 2.5% of total U.S. energy consumption,” said Smith. “Our polyimine membranes could significantly reduce the energy and emissions associated with refining processes, especially in crude oil fractionation, which alone contributes to 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions”.

The membranes are particularly promising for organic solvent reverse osmosis (OSRO), a cutting-edge technique that separates molecules based on size and affinity rather than heat. This approach could replace traditional thermal methods in applications ranging from fuel production to pharmaceutical purification.

As the world seeks cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices, this breakthrough positions membrane technology as a key player in the global energy transition.