Emerging innovations in polymeric hollow fiber membranes for sustainable natural gas valorization

Abstract

Polymeric hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) have emerged as a transformative technology for sustainable natural gas valorization, offering energy-efficient solutions for acid gas (CO₂, H₂S) removal and helium (He) recovery. This review highlights recent advancements in material design, fabrication strategies, and performance optimization of HFMs tailored for aggressive natural gas feeds. Key innovations include the engineering of polymer structures, coupled with asymmetric architectures (dual-layer, thin-film composites), which overcome the intrinsic permeance-selectivity trade-off, achieving industrially relevant permeance and selectivities. Advanced mitigation strategies for membrane aging and plasticization, including crosslinking and siloxane hybridization, are elucidated at the molecular level, demonstrating enhanced stability under high-pressure conditions. Furthermore, breakthroughs in processing techniques (e.g., co-extrusion spinning, interfacial polymerization) enable the fabrication of ultra-thin selective layers with defect-free interfaces. Emerging tools like machine learning and green solvents are also discussed as enablers of scalable and eco-friendly manufacturing. This work provides a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation HFMs, bridging molecular design with industrial deployment to advance decarbonization in energy systems. By addressing critical challenges and future opportunities, this review aims to inspire further research in high-performance membrane materials for sustainable natural gas processing.