A comprehensive modeling approach for determining the role and nature of interfacial morphology in mixed matrix membranes

Abstract

In this study, a new algorithm was developed to mathematically insight into the interfacial morphology in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by only using related experimental permeation data to a maximum loading of particles used in MMM preparation. According to this algorithm, the maximum possible interphase thickness is determined based on the size and the maximum used loading of particles in membrane fabrication. The benefits of this approach are determining the optimal characteristic parameters of the surrounded particles including interphase thickness, effective permeability of interphase, and porous particles (if applicable) affected by the blockage, with no arbitrary assumption to them. The validity of the proposed modeling approach was evaluated using 154 data points related to experimental permeability data of 13 series MMMs. Comparing the results obtained by using related experimental data to maximum used particle loading and all loading levels revealed that the sensitivity of the modified Maxwell model to the number of applied experimental data points is negligible. The predictions indicate that the maximum average absolute relative error (AARE) is 9%. Using modified GPG and modified Higuchi models instead of the modified Maxwell model in the proposed modeling approach showed that this algorithm is not sensitive to the type of model.