Magnetic heatable hollow fibers
The aim of this research project is to develop functional hollow fiber membranes combining the dual functions of adsorptive removal and magnetic-inductive heating by using mixed-matrix membrane technology. The applications of water removal and recovery address relevant industrial and global humanitarian challenges, which can be addressed by the presented technology. The technical concept of magnetic-inductive heatable hollow fibers with functional adsorbents: The magnetically heatable hollow fibers consist of a microporous mixed matrix hollow fiber with embedded magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and functional adsorbent particles. Water to be removed from the carrier gas stream adsorbs onto the adsorbent. For regeneration, the MNP are inductively excited with an alternating magnetic field. This causes the MNP to heat up and the water on the adsorbent desorbs. This cyclic process is called magnetically induced temperature swing adsorption (MISA). There is cross-industry interest in the research results. SMEs can integrate the research results directly into existing hollow fiber production processes without additional steps. The combination of hollow fibers, MNP and adsorbents leads to new products that open up new market fields for SMEs. Likewise, SMEs as end users benefit from the technology by increasing efficiency and conserving resources. Universal applicability is guaranteed by the combination of the magnetically heatable hollow fiber as a technology platform with specifically modifiable adsorbents. At the same time, the system is scalable for small decentralized and large integrated systems.