ISSN: 0256-1115 (print version) ISSN: 1975-7220 (electronic version)
Copyright © 2026 KICHE. All rights reserved

Articles & Issues

Language
English
Conflict of Interest
In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Publication history
Received June 2, 2025
Revised August 12, 2025
Accepted August 25, 2025
Available online January 25, 2026
articles This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright © KIChE. All rights reserved.

Latest issues

Breaking the Trade‑off: Cross‑Linked Polymeric Membranes for Superior Olefin/Paraffin Separation

Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University,
mspkim@scnu.ac.kr, wgshim@scnu.ac.kr, ahs4684@scnu.ac.kr
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, January 2026, 43(1), 147-165(19)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-025-00549-3

Abstract

The separation of olefins from paraffins, particularly propylene/propane mixtures, is a crucial process in the petrochemical

industry. While membrane-based separation offers an energy-efficient alternative to conventional cryogenic distillation,

polymeric membranes face challenges such as limited selectivity and plasticization at high feed pressures. This review

explores recent advancements in chemical cross-linking strategies aimed at enhancing polymeric membrane performance

for olefin/paraffin separation. Various cross-linking approaches—including the incorporation of thermally labile halogens,

cyclodextrins, and thermally activated moieties—are analyzed with a focus on their effectiveness in improving plasticization

resistance while maintaining gas permeability. The influence of different cross-linking agents, reaction conditions, and

polymer structures on membrane performance is systematically reviewed. Particular attention is given to novel cross-linking

agents that help mitigate the typical trade-off between plasticization resistance and gas transport properties. Additionally,

the relationship between cross-linking density, membrane morphology, and separation efficiency is discussed, along with

challenges in scaling up these technologies for industrial applications. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into

the current state of cross-linked polymeric membrane development and highlights promising research directions toward

achieving more efficient and scalable olefin/paraffin separation.

The Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers. F5,119, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
TEL. No. +82-2-458-3078FAX No. +82-507-804-0669E-mail : kiche@kiche.or.kr

Copyright (C) KICHE.all rights reserved.

- Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering 상단으로