State-of-the-art polymeric membranes and polymer derived membranes for simultaneous CO₂ and H₂S removal from sour natural gas

Abstract

Natural gas is an important resource that ensures the energy supply and reduces CO₂ emissions simultaneously. However, many natural gases from well head contain a certain amount of acid gas, which must be removed to meet the pipeline requirement. Among the existing natural gas sweetening process, membrane technology is considered as a cost-effective, less energy intensive method that can remove both CO₂ and H₂S simultaneously. The membranes with high permeability, high selectivity, and good durability are developing very fast. In this review, we summarized the latest state-of-the-art membranes investigated for H₂S/CH₄ and CO₂/CH₄ separation applications, including conventional polymer membranes, polyimides, polymer of intrinsic microporosity, rubber polymers, carbon molecular sieve membranes, hollow fiber membranes, and membrane processes for H₂S and CO₂ removal from natural gas.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

natural gas purification / H₂S removal / CO₂ capture / membranes / hollow fiber

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