Crude oil fractionation by means of mesoporous polyacrylonitrile membranes

Researchers developed mesoporous polyacrylonitrile membranes capable of effectively fractionating crude oil on June 24, 2026. These membranes, traditionally used as non-selective support layers, can achieve molecular refining of crude oil under steady-state conditions. This new method offers significant reductions in energy consumption, cooling water usage, and CO2 emissions when compared to conventional distillation processes. The study, published in Nature, demonstrates the potential for these membranes to revolutionize crude oil processing by providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. The precise pore size and structure of the polyacrylonitrile material are key to its selective separation capabilities, allowing for the separation of different hydrocarbon components based on their molecular size. This advancement could lead to substantial cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint for the petrochemical industry.