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Pebax/MWCNTs‐NH 2 mixed matrix membranes for enhanced CO 2 /N 2 separation
Author(s) -
Song Chunfeng,
Mujahid Muhammad,
Li Run,
Ahmad Siraj,
Liu Qingling,
Zhang Bing,
Kitamura Yutaka
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
greenhouse gases: science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.45
H-Index - 32
ISSN - 2152-3878
DOI - 10.1002/ghg.1970
Subject(s) - membrane , barrer , permeation , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , materials science , chemical engineering , polymer , crystallinity , gas separation , solvent , selectivity , scanning electron microscope , carbon nanotube , polymer chemistry , nanocomposite , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , catalysis , biochemistry , engineering
Abstract Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) played a promising role in gas separation. However, the trade‐off between permeability and selectivity is still a challenge for its commercial application. Rational design of the inorganic filler, compatibility of filler with the polymer, and dispersion of filler into the polymer have a significant influence on the morphology and separation performance of a membrane. In this study, in order to produce defect‐free flat sheet MMMs, two different solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and ethanol/water) were investigated to maximize the dispersion of filler (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs) in Pebax. The prepared membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. CO 2 /N 2 permeation tests were undertaken to investigate the solvent effect on membrane permeation properties. The result showed that membranes fabricated with higher molar volume solvent were more efficient for CO 2 separation. Considering the trade‐off between different parameters (molar volume of solvent, fraction‐free volume, crystallinity of membranes), the permeability and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of Pebax/MWCNTs MMMs was optimized to 405 Barrer and 51, respectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.