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Metal Organic Framework Crystals in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes: Impact of the Filler Morphology on the Gas Separation Performance
Author(s) -
Sabetghadam Anahid,
Seoane Beatriz,
Keskin Damla,
Duim Nicole,
Rodenas Tania,
Shahid Salman,
Sorribas Sara,
Guillouzer Clément Le,
Clet Guillaume,
Tellez Carlos,
Daturi Marco,
Coronas Joaquin,
Kapteijn Freek,
Gascon Jorge
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201505352
Subject(s) - materials science , membrane , gas separation , barrer , polymer , nanoparticle , nanorod , chemical engineering , nanocomposite , metal organic framework , raman spectroscopy , homogeneity (statistics) , composite material , nanotechnology , adsorption , organic chemistry , chemistry , genetics , physics , statistics , optics , mathematics , engineering , biology
Mixed‐matrix membranes comprising NH 2 ‐MIL‐53(Al) and Matrimid or 6FDA‐DAM have been investigated. The metal organic framework (MOF) loading has been varied between 5 and 20 wt%, while NH 2 ‐MIL‐53(Al) with three different morphologies, nanoparticles, nanorods, and microneedles has been dispersed in Matrimid. The synthesized membranes have been tested in the separation of CO 2 from CH 4 in an equimolar mixture. At 3 bar and 298 K for 8 wt% MOF loading, incorporation of NH 2 ‐MIL‐53(Al) nanoparticles leads to the largest improvement compared to nanorods and microneedles. The incorporation of the best performing filler, i.e., NH 2 ‐MIL‐53(Al) nanoparticles, into the highly permeable 6FDA‐DAM has a larger effect, and the CO 2 permeability increases up to 85% with slightly lower selectivities for 20 wt% MOF loading. Specifically, these membranes have a permeability of 660 Barrer with a CO 2 /CH 4 separation factor of 28, leading to a performance very close to the Robeson limit of 2008. Furthermore, a new non‐destructive technique based on Raman spectroscopy mapping is introduced to assess the homogeneity of the filler dispersion in the polymer matrix. The MOF contribution can be calculated by modeling the spectra. The determined homogeneity of the MOF filler distribution in the polymer is confirmed by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy analysis.