Richard Spontak

Bio

My background focuses on the design, development and characterization of functional polymeric materials. I am keenly interested in preventing the emission of greenhouse gases (especially CO2) from industries through the use of carbon-capture polymer membranes. I have worked in the space for over 20 years and developed the first generation of chemically-crosslinked polyether-based membranes. I later introduced physically-crosslinked block polymers possessing a polyether block and, more recently, charged block polymers capable of extremely high water transmission. My latest achievement includes “hybrid-integrated” membranes that marry a thin amine-rich polymer nanolayer that serves as a CO2 sponge by facilitated transport and is surface-grown on a high-flux polymer that operates by solution-diffusion transport. The result is a nanofabricated membrane that simultaneously possesses incredibly high CO2 permeability and selectivity, far above the well-established upper bound representing the trade-off between permeability and selectivity. Preventing atmospheric CO2 emission is a much-needed preventative measure of mitigating global climate change. The materials on which I work are likewise capable of remarkable antimicrobial properties, as well as properties of immediate benefit to the energy sector.