Our team focuses on developing composite hollow fiber membranes. The inner and outer layer structures were optimized to enhance the gas permeance. In parallel, we developed a continuous wetting/coating process by utilizing the immiscibility of wetting and coating solutions. A Plasma treatment was adopted to improve their interfacial compatibility, and novel selective-layer materials were synthesized and patented to overcome the permeability–selectivity trade-off relationship for CO₂ capture.

A Pebax-based composite HFMs has been successfully fabricated that combines structural design, continuous processing, and interfacial control. The membrane possesses a CO₂ permeance of 1253 GPU and a CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 34.9, showing a 200% increase in CO₂ flux over other Pebax-based HFMs. MMMs consisting of organic nanofillers or silicone rubber have been synthesized to further increase CO₂ permeability by 45% or 200%, respectively, demonstrating their potential for practical CO₂ capture.

The hollow fiber membranes developed by our group provide a high surface area, modularity, and low energy requirement, making them ideal for carbon capture in coal-fired power plants and heavy industries. Their robust structure ensures long-term stability under harsh conditions. This scalable and cost-effective membrane technology can support Taiwan’s transition to have sustainable industries with net-zero emissions.