■ Collaborative research with Yonsei University published in the prestigious “Journal of Membrane Science”

■ Utilizes cost-effective, high-performance organic materials, paving the way for mass production and commercialization

SK Innovation and SK IE Technology (hereafter SKIET) have developed next-generation membrane technology that significantly reduces costs and substantially enhances performance through joint research with a team from Yonsei University.

On October 1 (KST), SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, SKIET’s R&D Center, together with Professor Kim Jong-hak’s team from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Yonsei University, announced the publication of their joint research paper in the Journal of Membrane Science (JMS). This prestigious journal is renowned for publishing pioneering research by leading chemical engineering experts globally. Their paper, titled “Low-cost, all-organic, hydrogen-bonded thin-film composite membranes for CO₂ capture: Experiments and molecular dynamic simulation,” can be found here.

The newly developed technology features an innovative approach that exclusively utilizes organic materials in membrane manufacturing. Recent research studies have been focusing on incorporating inorganic materials to improve gas permeability in membranes. However, the team has successfully created a high-permeability membrane by combining the technique of a precisely engineered thin-film coating, approximately 200 nanometers, or 1/500th the thickness of a human hair, with a uniquely developed organic additive.

The resulting carbon capture membrane is not only highly permeable but also cost-effective to produce, making it ideal for mass production and commercial applications. Based on these research findings, SK Innovation plans to accelerate the development of carbon capture membrane technology in collaboration with SKIET, which boasts both global competitiveness and mass production capabilities in the field of lithium-ion battery separators (LiBS). These organic-based carbon capture membranes are expected to be deployed in high-carbon-emission industries such as power generation, steel, and cement.

In addition, SK Innovation and SKIET have been working with Airrane, a specialist in gas separation membranes, since May of last year to lead the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) market. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with LOTTE Chemical in October of last year to enhance their competitive edge in the carbon capture sector.

Lee Sung-jun, Head of SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, remarked, “This achievement exemplifies SK Innovation’s accumulated expertise in energy and chemical R&D, combined with the dedicated efforts of external research organizations. SK Innovation remains committed to advancing R&D initiatives to commercialize carbon capture membranes.”

[Photo] Research paper published in a “Journal of Membrane Science”