# CAREER: Engineering high performance gas separation membranes through versatile control of polymer structure and dynamics

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Florida (FL) · $599,999

## Abstract

Conventional thermal separation processes like absorption and distillation consume over 10% of the total U.S. energy production. Gas separation membranes offer a great opportunity to reduce energy consumption and cost of chemical separations. Developing innovative polymer materials for the membrane layer that controls the separation is key to achieving high separation efficiency and low separation costs. Unfortunately, membrane materials can lose separation performance over time, especially in the chemically harsh conditions commonly found in industry. “Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity” (PIMs) are unique materials that exhibit high internal surface areas and high rigidity, making them particularly promising for gas separations such as carbon capture and hydrocarbon purification. This project will develop design principles for making more robust and efficient gas separation membranes. These insights will come from investigating how PIM molecular structure and molecular motions can be used to avoid performance losses under industrial conditions. To bridge the skill gap needed for students to transition from academic to industrial research, this proposal will develop a new student safety certificate program at University of Florida to enhance student safety literacy and academic safety culture. New sustainability-focused, hands-on teaching kits and in-person and remote workshop activities will be developed for middle and high school teachers across Florida to incorporate in t

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2440594
- **Awardee organization:** University of Florida (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NNFQH1JAPEP3
- **PI:** Joshua D Moon
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $599,999
- **Funds obligated:** $599,999
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 05/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2440594

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2440594, CAREER: Engineering high performance gas separation membranes through versatile control of polymer structure and dynamics. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2440594. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*