Abstract
The gas transport behaviors of O2, N2, CO2 and CH4 were investigated in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) prepared from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) filled with surface functionalized silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. SiO2 surface modification was performed through silanization using chlorodimethyl silane. FTIR confirmed the presence of dimethyl silane on SiO2 (Si-DMS) whereas elemental analysis showed 94.2% successful modification. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed the improved thermal stabilities of PDMS MMMs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the uniform distribution of Si-DMS within the membrane. The effect of Si-DMS in gas permeabilities (P) was in contrast to the Maxwell model prediction. Enhanced P values of all gases in PDMS MMMs (as compared to pure PDMS) were associated to the improvement in diffusion coefficients (Dm) despite the reduction in gas solubility coefficients. The increase in Dm values was attributed to the higher free volumes in PDMS MMMs. However, slight declines (<8% of pure PDMS) in selectivities were observed. Overall, PDMS MMMs have improved performances due to enhanced gas permeabilities.
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