TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: PBI High-Temperature Hollow Fiber Membranes
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is offering a technology licensing opportunity for its Polybenzimidazole (PBI) High-Temperature Hollow Fiber Membranes. This innovative technology provides a practical solution for improving separation efficiency in demanding process environments, offering high-temperature operation, chemical resistance, and a compact design. It is suitable for organizations seeking advanced solutions in energy, chemical, and water treatment sectors. Inquiries for licensing are accepted until December 5, 2026.
Technology Overview
The PBI High-Temperature Hollow Fiber Membranes are designed to overcome limitations of standard polymer membranes by maintaining performance and durability at high temperatures and in harsh chemical conditions. The technology features a selective gate built into a hollow fiber, allowing differential passage of molecules. The disclosed fabrication process creates an integrated selective layer and porous support structure in one step, with controlled thickness (0.1 to 5 µm). A key advantage is the production of macrovoid-free fibers, enhancing durability under high temperature and pressure. The membranes can be thermally annealed or chemically crosslinked for improved solvent resistance and stability.
Key Advantages & Applications
Advantages include:
- Operation at temperatures too demanding for conventional membranes.
- Resistance to harsh chemical exposure (steam, sulfur-containing gases).
- Compact module design, enabling smaller equipment footprints.
- Easier scaling compared to ceramic membranes.
- Higher throughput without compromising permeability or selectivity.
- Integrated selectivity and structural support.
- Supports both gas and liquid separation across multiple industries.
- Reduces hydrogen purification costs.
- Tested in relevant operating environments (TRL 5).
Market applications span: Energy and Power generation (hydrogen production, carbon capture), Oil and Gas (refining, natural gas processing), Chemical and Petrochemical Processing, Industrial Water and Wastewater, Advanced Fuels, and Specialty Manufacturing.
Licensing Details & Timeline
This is a Special Notice from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for a technology licensing opportunity, not a call for external services or a procurement. LANL's licensing program aims to commercialize inventions through exclusive and non-exclusive agreements. The technology is protected under US Patent No. 10,071,345.
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing)
- Published: June 5, 2026
- Inquiries Accepted Until: December 5, 2026
Contact Information
Interested parties should contact licensing@lanl.gov for specific discussions.