Selective water vapour transport membranes comprising a nanofibrous layer and methods for making the same

摘要

A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.

主权项

1. A composite membrane comprising:
a macroporous support layer; a framework layer comprising nanofibres, the framework layer supported on one surface of the macroporous support layer; and a water-vapour-permeable, substantially air-impermeable coating supported by the framework layer; wherein the composite membrane is formable to provide a self-supporting three-dimensional structure that is water-vapour-permeable and substantially air-impermeable.