Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

Gas separations are often required in chemical processes, e.g. air separation, ethylene production, etc. These are often challenging and costly processes because of the low temperature and high pressure needed if vapour-liquid phase separations are involved. This thesis focuses on hybrid membrane-distillation separations as an opportunity to develop more energy-efficient separation processes. In a typical ethylene plant, recovery, the separation and purification of the cracked product are economically important. The focus of this thesis is on the ‘C2splitter’ which separates the desired product, ethylene, from ethane. Cryogenic distillation, which is currently used to separate the binary ethylene-ethane mixture, is extremely expensive in terms of both capital and operating costs, especially because of refrigerated cooling requirements. Hybrid membrane-distillation processes are able to effectively separate low-boiling compounds and close-boiling mixtures and to reduce energy consumption, relative to cryogenic distillation. However, hybrid membrane-distillation processes present challenges for process modelling, design and operation. There are two major challenges associated with the modelling of hybrid processes for low temperature separations: i) the complex interaction between the process and the refrigeration system and ii) the large number of structural options, e.g. conventional column, membrane unit or hybrid membrane-distillation separation, where the distillation column can be integrated with the membrane unit to form a sequential, parallel, ‘top’or ‘bottom’ hybrid scheme. This thesis develops a systematic methodology to design, screen, evaluate and optimise various design alternatives. Schemes are evaluated with respect to energy consumption, i.e. power consumption of process and refrigeration compressors, or energy costs. In the methodology, process options are screened first for feasibility, based on numerous simulations and sensitivity analyses. Then, the feasible options are evaluated in terms of energy consumption and compared to the performance of a conventional distillation column. Finally, economically viable schemes are optimised to identify the most cost-effective heat-integrated structure and operating conditions. The methodology applies models for multi-feed and multi-product distillation columns, the membrane, compressor and refrigeration system; heat recovery opportunities are systematically captured and exploited. For the separation of relatively ideal mixtures, modified shortcut design methods, based on the Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland method are appropriate because they allow fast evaluation without needing detailed specification of column design parameters (i.e. number of stages, feed and side draw stage locations and reflux ratio). The modifications proposed by Suphanit (1999) for simple column design are extended to consider multi-feed and/or multi-product columns. The complex column designs based on the approximate calculations method are validated by comparison with more rigorous simulations using Aspen HYSYS. To design the hybrid system, a reliable and robust membrane model is also needed. To predict the performance of the module model, this work applies and modifies detailed membrane model (Shindo et al., 1985) and approximate method (Naylor and Backer, 1955) to avoid the need for initial estimates of permeate purities and to facilitate convergence. Heat integration opportunities are considered to reduce the energy consumption of the system, considering interactions within the separation process and with the refrigeration system. A matrix-based approach (Farrokhpanah, 2009) is modified to assess opportunities for heat integration. The modified heat recovery model eliminates the need to design the refrigeration cycle and uses a new simple, linear model that correlates the ideal (Carnot) and a more accurately predicted coefficient of performance. This work develops a framework for optimising important degrees of freedom in the hybrid separation system, e.g. permeate pressure, stage cut, side draw molar flow rate and purity, column feed and side draw locations. Heat recovery options between: i) column feeds and products; ii) the membrane feed and products and iii) the associated refrigeration system are considered. A deterministic and a stochastic optimisation algorithm are applied and compared for their efficiency of solving the resulting nonlinear optimisation problem. The new approach is demonstrated for the design and optimisation of heat-integrated sequential and parallel hybrid membrane-distillation flowsheets. Case study results show that hybrid scheme can reduce energy cost by 11%, compared to distillation, and that parallel schemes have around 8% lower energy costs than sequential hybrid schemes. These results suggest hybrid membrane-distillation processes may be competitive with distillation when applied for ethylene-ethane separations, but that further development of suitable membranes may still be needed.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo sintetizar eletrólitos híbridos de Nafion-TiO2 e eletrocatalisadores de PtSn/C para a aplicação em células a combustível de oxidação direta de etanol (DEFC) em alta temperatura (130oC). Para tanto, partículas de TiO2 foram incorporadas in-situ em membranas comerciais de Nafion via processo sol-gel. Os materiais resultantes foram caracterizados por análise gravimétrica, absorção de água, DSC, DRX e EDX. Eletrocatalisadores baseados em platina-estanho dispersos em carbono (PtSn/C), de diferentes composições, foram produzidos pelo método de redução por álcool e utilizados como eletrodos anódicos. Os eletrocatalisadores foram caracterizados por DRX, EDX, XPS e MET. A avaliação eletroquímica dos eletrocatalisadores foi realizada por voltametria cíclica, varredura linear anódica de monóxido de carbono (stripping de CO) e cronoamperometria. Ânodos de PtSn/C e cátodos de Pt/C comercial foram dispostos juntamente com os híbridos Nafion-TiO2 para a formação do conjuntos membrana-eletrodos. A avaliação final dos materiais foi realizada por meios de curvas de polarização em células unitárias alimentadas com misturas padrão H2/CO ou etanol no ânodo e com oxigênio no cátodo no intervalo de temperatura de 80 a 130oC. As análises demonstraram que o uso de membranas híbridas diminuiu o crossover de combustível, melhorando o desempenho da célula e que o eletrocatalisador PtSn/C 70:30, produzido pelo método de redução por álcool, foi o que demonstrou melhor desempenho para oxidação de etanol. / In this work, Nafion-TiO2 hybrid electrolytes and PtSn/C electrocatalysts were synthesized for the application in direct ethanol fuel cell operating at high temperature (130oC). For this purpose, TiO2 particles were incorporated in commercial Nafion membranes by an in situ sol gel route. The resulting materials were characterized by gravimetric analysis, water uptake, DSC, XRD and EDX. Electrocatalysts based on carbon dispersed platinum-tin (PtSn/C), with different composition, were produced by alcohol-reduction method and were employed as anodic electrode. The electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, EDX, XPS and transmission electronic spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization was conducted by cyclic voltametry, carbon monoxide linear anodic voltammetry (CO stripping), and chronoamperometry. Membrane-electrodes assembly (MEAs) were formed with PtSn/C anodes, Pt/C cathodes and Nafion-TiO2 hybrids. The performance of these MEA was evaluated in single-cell fed with H2/CO mixture or ethanol solution at the anode and oxygen at the cathode in the temperature range of 80-130oC. The analysis showed that the hybrid membranes improved the DEFC performance due to crossover suppression and that PtSn/C 70:30 electrocatalysts, prepared by an alcohol reduction process, showed better performance in ethanol oxidation.

Neste trabalho foi estudado o efeito dos parâmetros de síntese na resposta de polarização de híbridos Nafion-SiO2 como eletrólitos em células a combustível poliméricas (PEMFC) em elevadas temperaturas (até 130 °C). A fase inorgânica foi adicionada à matriz polimérica com o objetivo de aumentar a retenção de água na membrana em elevadas temperaturas (acima de 100 °C); melhorar as propriedades mecânicas do Nafion e favorecer cineticamente as reações eletródicas. As membranas foram preparadas a partir da incorporação in-situ de sílica em membranas comerciais de Nafion por rota sol-gel acompanhada de catálise ácida. Os parâmetros de síntese, tais como: concentração do catalisador ácido, natureza do solvente, temperatura e tempo de reação e concentração do precursor de silício (Tetraetil-Ortosilicato TEOS) foram avaliados em função do grau de incorporação e resposta de polarização. Os híbridos Nafion-SiO2 foram física e quimicamente caracterizados por gravimetria, termogravimetria (TG), microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (MEV-EDX), espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) e espalhamento de raios X em baixos ângulos (SAXS). Por fim, os híbridos sintetizados foram avaliados diretamente como eletrólitos em células PEM unitárias alimentadas com hidrogênio (H2) e oxigênio (O2) no intervalo de temperatura de 80 ºC a 130 ºC e a 130 ºC em condições de umidade relativa reduzida (75 e 50%). Resumidamente, o desempenho dos híbridos se mostrou fortemente dependente dos parâmetros de síntese, principalmente, o tipo de álcool utilizado e concentração inicial de TEOS. / In this work, the effect of sol-gel synthesis parameters on the preparation and polarization response of Nafion-SiO2 hybrids as electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) operating at high temperatures (130 oC) was evaluated. The inorganic phase was incorporated in a Nafion matrix with the following purposes: to improve the Nafion water uptake at high temperatures (> 100 oC); to increase the mechanical strength of Nafion and; to accelerate the electrode reactions. The hybrids were prepared by an in-situ incorporation of silica into commercial Nafion membranes using an acid-catalyzed sol-gel route. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as catalyst concentration, sol-gel solvent, temperature and time of both hydrolysis and condensation reactions, and silicon precursor concentration (Tetraethylorthosilicate TEOS), were evaluated as a function on the incorporation degree and polarization response. Nafion-SiO2 hybrids were characterized by gravimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dispersive energy (SEM-EDS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-ray small angle scattering (SAXS). The hybrids were tested as electrolyte in single H2/O2 fuel cells in the temperature range of 80 130 oC and at 130 oC and reduced relative humidity (75% and 50%). Summarily, the hybrid performance showed to be strongly dependent on the synthesis parameters, mainly, the type of alcohol and the TEOS concentration.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo sintetizar eletrólitos híbridos de Nafion-TiO2 e eletrocatalisadores de PtSn/C para a aplicação em células a combustível de oxidação direta de etanol (DEFC) em alta temperatura (130oC). Para tanto, partículas de TiO2 foram incorporadas in-situ em membranas comerciais de Nafion via processo sol-gel. Os materiais resultantes foram caracterizados por análise gravimétrica, absorção de água, DSC, DRX e EDX. Eletrocatalisadores baseados em platina-estanho dispersos em carbono (PtSn/C), de diferentes composições, foram produzidos pelo método de redução por álcool e utilizados como eletrodos anódicos. Os eletrocatalisadores foram caracterizados por DRX, EDX, XPS e MET. A avaliação eletroquímica dos eletrocatalisadores foi realizada por voltametria cíclica, varredura linear anódica de monóxido de carbono (stripping de CO) e cronoamperometria. Ânodos de PtSn/C e cátodos de Pt/C comercial foram dispostos juntamente com os híbridos Nafion-TiO2 para a formação do conjuntos membrana-eletrodos. A avaliação final dos materiais foi realizada por meios de curvas de polarização em células unitárias alimentadas com misturas padrão H2/CO ou etanol no ânodo e com oxigênio no cátodo no intervalo de temperatura de 80 a 130oC. As análises demonstraram que o uso de membranas híbridas diminuiu o crossover de combustível, melhorando o desempenho da célula e que o eletrocatalisador PtSn/C 70:30, produzido pelo método de redução por álcool, foi o que demonstrou melhor desempenho para oxidação de etanol. / In this work, Nafion-TiO2 hybrid electrolytes and PtSn/C electrocatalysts were synthesized for the application in direct ethanol fuel cell operating at high temperature (130oC). For this purpose, TiO2 particles were incorporated in commercial Nafion membranes by an in situ sol gel route. The resulting materials were characterized by gravimetric analysis, water uptake, DSC, XRD and EDX. Electrocatalysts based on carbon dispersed platinum-tin (PtSn/C), with different composition, were produced by alcohol-reduction method and were employed as anodic electrode. The electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, EDX, XPS and transmission electronic spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization was conducted by cyclic voltametry, carbon monoxide linear anodic voltammetry (CO stripping), and chronoamperometry. Membrane-electrodes assembly (MEAs) were formed with PtSn/C anodes, Pt/C cathodes and Nafion-TiO2 hybrids. The performance of these MEA was evaluated in single-cell fed with H2/CO mixture or ethanol solution at the anode and oxygen at the cathode in the temperature range of 80-130oC. The analysis showed that the hybrid membranes improved the DEFC performance due to crossover suppression and that PtSn/C 70:30 electrocatalysts, prepared by an alcohol reduction process, showed better performance in ethanol oxidation.

Neste trabalho foi estudado o efeito dos parâmetros de síntese na resposta de polarização de híbridos Nafion-SiO2 como eletrólitos em células a combustível poliméricas (PEMFC) em elevadas temperaturas (até 130 °C). A fase inorgânica foi adicionada à matriz polimérica com o objetivo de aumentar a retenção de água na membrana em elevadas temperaturas (acima de 100 °C); melhorar as propriedades mecânicas do Nafion e favorecer cineticamente as reações eletródicas. As membranas foram preparadas a partir da incorporação in-situ de sílica em membranas comerciais de Nafion por rota sol-gel acompanhada de catálise ácida. Os parâmetros de síntese, tais como: concentração do catalisador ácido, natureza do solvente, temperatura e tempo de reação e concentração do precursor de silício (Tetraetil-Ortosilicato TEOS) foram avaliados em função do grau de incorporação e resposta de polarização. Os híbridos Nafion-SiO2 foram física e quimicamente caracterizados por gravimetria, termogravimetria (TG), microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (MEV-EDX), espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) e espalhamento de raios X em baixos ângulos (SAXS). Por fim, os híbridos sintetizados foram avaliados diretamente como eletrólitos em células PEM unitárias alimentadas com hidrogênio (H2) e oxigênio (O2) no intervalo de temperatura de 80 ºC a 130 ºC e a 130 ºC em condições de umidade relativa reduzida (75 e 50%). Resumidamente, o desempenho dos híbridos se mostrou fortemente dependente dos parâmetros de síntese, principalmente, o tipo de álcool utilizado e concentração inicial de TEOS. / In this work, the effect of sol-gel synthesis parameters on the preparation and polarization response of Nafion-SiO2 hybrids as electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) operating at high temperatures (130 oC) was evaluated. The inorganic phase was incorporated in a Nafion matrix with the following purposes: to improve the Nafion water uptake at high temperatures (> 100 oC); to increase the mechanical strength of Nafion and; to accelerate the electrode reactions. The hybrids were prepared by an in-situ incorporation of silica into commercial Nafion membranes using an acid-catalyzed sol-gel route. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as catalyst concentration, sol-gel solvent, temperature and time of both hydrolysis and condensation reactions, and silicon precursor concentration (Tetraethylorthosilicate TEOS), were evaluated as a function on the incorporation degree and polarization response. Nafion-SiO2 hybrids were characterized by gravimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dispersive energy (SEM-EDS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-ray small angle scattering (SAXS). The hybrids were tested as electrolyte in single H2/O2 fuel cells in the temperature range of 80 130 oC and at 130 oC and reduced relative humidity (75% and 50%). Summarily, the hybrid performance showed to be strongly dependent on the synthesis parameters, mainly, the type of alcohol and the TEOS concentration.

Les vésicules hybrides polymère/lipides sont des structures récemment développées dans la littérature. Idéalement, celles-ci peuvent présenter la biocompatibilité et la biofonctionnalité des liposomes, ainsi que la robustesse, la faible perméabilité et la versatilité de fonctionnalisation chimique conférées par les chaînes de copolymères. Cependant, à ce jour, les facteurs régissant la séparation des phases dans ces membranes hybrides ne sont pas bien compris. Dans ce travail, nous avons étudié en détail la formation et la séparation de phases dans les membranes de vésicules géantes (GHUVs) et de taille nanométriques(100nm) (LHUVs) constituées de phospholipides en phase fluide ou gel et de copolymères à base de poly (diméthylsiloxane) et de poly (éthylène glycol). Différentes architectures(greffée, tribloc) et masses molaires ont été utilisées. La séparation de phase a été étudiée sur les vésicules géantes à l’échelle micrométrique et nanométrique respectivement par microscopie confocale et imagerie de fluorescence résolue en temps (FLIM), tandis que pour les LHUVs, différentes techniques comme la diffusion de neutrons, la Cryo-microscopie et la spectroscopie de fluorescence résolue dans le temps ont été combinées. Nous avons pu montrer que la fraction lipide/polymère, l'état physique du lipide et la tension de la ligne aux interfaces lipide/polymère modulable par la masse molaire et l'architecture du copolymère sont les facteurs importants régissant la formation et la structuration des vésicules hybrides. Enfin, nous avons montré que les propriétés élastiques de la membrane peuvent être modulées via la composition polymère lipide. / Hybrid copolymer/lipid vesicle are recently developed self-assembled structures that could present biocompatibility and biofunctionality of liposomes, as well as robustness, low permeability and functionality variability conferred by the copolymer chains. However, to date, physical and molecular parameters governing copolymer/lipid phase separation in these hybrid membranes are not well understood. In this work, we studied in detail the formation and phase separation in the membranes of both Giant Unilamellar Hybrid Vesicles(GHUVs) and Large Unilamellar Hybrid Vesicles (LHUVs) obtained from the mixture of phospholipids in the fluid (liquid disordered) or gel state (solid ordered) with various copolymers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO) with different architectures (grafted, triblock) and molar masses. For GHUVs, phase separation at the micron scale and nanoscale was evaluated through confocal microscopy, and Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy technique (FLIM) respectively, where as acombination of Small angle neutron scattering (SANS), Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) and Time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) techniques was used for LHUVs. We demonstrate that the lipid/polymer fraction, lipid physical state, and the line tension at lipid polymer/lipid boundaries which can be finely modulated by the molar mass and architecture of the copolymer are important factors that govern the formation and structuration of hybrid vesicles. We also evidence that elasticity ofthe hybrid membrane can be modulated via the lipid polymer composition, through the use of micropipettes techniques.

Current membrane technology, based on polymeric materials, is subject to a limiting tradeoff between productivity (permeability) and efficiency (selectivity). Other materials with better gas separation performance exist, such as zeolites and carbon molecular sieves, but the physical characteristics of these materials inhibit industrial scale membrane preparation. This research focuses on the application of hybrid membrane technology, which has shown the ability to combine the advantageous properties of these materials, to a system comprised of carbon molecular sieves dispersed in the upper bound polymer 6FDA-6FpDA. Hybrid membranes require effective mass transfer across the interface between the two phases. This work shows the sensitivity of the component materials to processing conditions and the importance of consistency in gas separation membrane production. In particular, milling the sieves to reduce the size and using chemical linkage agents to bond to the polymer have potential to alter the separation performance of the respective materials. Analysis of multiple factors in this work provides important information regarding the source of unexpected properties in the hybrid membranes. Hybrid membrane testing in this work shows a need for active control of particle agglomerates within the dope prior to casting for effective membrane production. Continual sonication during the preparation of the casting dope was able to prevent the excessive agglomerates present in earlier trials. Further reduction of stresses generated during the casting process was also necessary to produce membranes with enhanced selectivity. Annealing the hybrid films above the polymer Tg appears to repair the interfacial morphology and produce effective membranes. The application of this process to enhance the gas separation performance of 6FDA-6FpDA represents the first known report of successful selectivity improvement in an upper bound polymer using the hybrid membrane approach.