Kyoto University · Engineering
Professor Behnam Ghalei's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for environmental and energy applications, with a strong focus on membrane science and nanomaterials. The lab investigates polymeric and metal-organic framework (MOF)-based membranes for gas separation, particularly CO₂ capture and hydrogen purification, leveraging molecular engineering and nanostructured materials. Key research directions include the synthesis of bioactive wound dressings using electrospun nanofibers, functionalized mesoporous silica for polymer composites, and CO₂-philic membranes inspired by enzyme mechanisms. The lab also explores scalable synthesis of microporous polymers for high-performance separation processes.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
ABSTRACT Bioactive wound dressings from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and zein nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with diclofenac (DLF) were prepared successfully by the single jet electrospinning method. DLF‐loaded zein NPs with an average diameter of ∼228 nm were prepared using anti‐solvent precipitation method. The formulation of zein:DLF 1:1 exhibited optimum encapsulation efficiency of 47.80%. The NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta‐potential measurement, and differential scanning
The concept of mixed matrix membrane comprising dispersed inorganic fillers into a polymer media has revealed appealing to tune the gas separation performance. In this work, the membranes were prepared by incorporation of mesoporous silica into polyurethane (PU). Mesoporous silica particles with different pore size and structures, MCM‐41, cubic MCM‐48 and SBA‐16, were synthesized by templating method and functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). High porosity and aminated surface
Abstract This investigation involves the preparation and characterization of poly (urethane)/poly (vinyl acetate) (PU/PVAc) blend membranes. PU was synthesized by two step polymerization from toluene diisocyanate (TDI), poly (propylene glycol) (PPG) and 1, 4‐butanediol (BDO).Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to verify the chemical structure of the resulting polymer. Blend membranes with a thickness of 100 µ were prepared from the solution of PU and PVAc in chloroform by a s
Abstract The effect of organic ligands on the separation performance of Zr based metal–organic framework (Zr‐MOF) membranes was investigated. A series of Zr‐MOF membranes with different ligand chemistry and functionality were synthesized by an in situ solvothermal method and a coordination modulation technique. The thin supported MOF layers (ca. 1 μm) showed the crystallographic orientation and pore structure of original MOF structures. The MOF membranes show excellent selectivity towards hydrog
As a ubiquitous family of enzymes with high performance in converting carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) into bicarbonate, carbonic anhydrases (CAs) sparked enormous attention for carbon capture. Nevertheless, the high cost and operational instability of CAs hamper their practical relevance, and the utility of CAs is mainly limited to aqueous applications where CO<sub>2</sub>-to-bicarbonate conversion is possible. Taking advantage of the chemical motif that endows CA-like active sites (metal-coordi
Microporous polyimides (PIM-PIs, KAUST-PIs) and polymers containing Tröger's base (TB) derivatives with improved permeability and selectivity have great importance for separation of environmental gas pairs. Despite the tremendous progress in this field, facile synthesis of microporous polymers at the industrial scale <i>via</i> designing new monomers is still lacking. In this study, a new potential approach for large scale synthesis of spirobisindane diamine (DAS) (3) has been reported from comm
Next-generation carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies will be indispensable elements of global decarbonization efforts. In this context, permanent and rapid sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) at high capacities will impact their utility broadly. CO2 mineralization into solid inorganic carbonates is an appealing CCUS approach, which requires fast CO2 hydration for effective implementation. The carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have, thus, gained considerable attention as rate pr
Polybutadiene-based polyurethanes with different <i>cis</i>/<i>trans</i>/1,2-vinyl microstructure contents are synthesized. The phase morphology and physical properties of the polymers are investigated using spectroscopic analysis (FTIR and Raman), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray scattering (WAXD and SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, their gas transport properties are determined for different gases at 4 bar and 25 °C. Thermodynamic incompatibility and steric hi
Graphene oxide (GO) with its unique two-dimensional structure offers an emerging platform for designing advanced gas separation membranes that allow for highly selective transport of hydrogen molecules. Nevertheless, further tuning of the interlayer spacing of GO laminates and its effect on membrane separation efficiency remains to be explored. Here, positively charged fullerene C<sub>60</sub> derivatives are electrostatically bonded to the surface of GO sheets in order to manipulate the interla
To achieve sustainable and energy‐efficient CO 2 capture processes, it is imperative to develop membranes that possess both high CO 2 permeability and selectivity. One promising approach involves integrating high‐aspect‐ratio nanoscale fillers into polymer matrices. The high‐aspect‐ratio fillers increase surface area and improve interactions between polymer chains and gas molecules passing through the membrane. This study focuses on the integration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with an impres
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