In 1998 she joined the group of Prof. G. Wegner at the MPI for Polymer Research. Polymer membranes for product enrichment in microreaction techniques Microfabrication has advanced in the last years and makes the production of microreactors possible, but improvement in microreaction techniques requires separation techniques capable for fast and effective separation steps. Progress has been made in the preparation of ultra-thin polymeric membranes and characterization of such membranes for separation of gases and liquids.
Crosslinkable polymers offers the possibility of microstructuring of membranes.
In this project we want to develop microtechnical separation modules for the on-line separation and enrichment of gaseous products employing membrane processes. This includes studies of phase behavior, permeation and permselectivity behavior but also in the development of microtechnical separation modules. Further investigations are directed to the influenced of pressure, temperature, plastiziser effects of the penetrant species and synergy effects. Requirements on membranes and membrane materials follow from both the chemical and physical properties of the gas mixtures and the desired mass flow and separation performance. For the realization of microtechnical separation modules capable for the enrichment of desired products a close cooperation with IMM Mainz exists.