Ultrafiltration membranes for the separation of catalyst and products in homogeneous catalysis systems

Results of preliminary studies on concentration by ultrafiltration and reuse of a Ru(III)EDTA complex in homogeneous catalysis are reported. A method of preparation and selection of conditions of making cellulose acetate membranes for concentrating Ru(III)EDTA is described. At an operating pressure of 75 psig (517 kPa), the above catalyst can be concentrated to seven to eight times its initial concentration. The membrane used exhibits a separation of about 97.5 % for the complex with a permeate flow rate of about 3–6 gallons per sq. ft per day. The catalyst activities were determined for two reactions, viz. hydroformylation of 1-hexene and carbonylation of ammonia for five cycles of concentration followed by reuse. The experimental data indicated that the catalyst concentration by ultrafiltration for subsequent reuse is simple and attractive and can provide potentially energy saving alternative to the cumbersome conventional separation processes associated with the recovery of catalysts in homogeneous catalysis.