Enhancing permeability and stability of ZIF-8/PEBA pervaporation membrane through interface-induced directional nanoparticle distribution

Abstract

Mixed matrix membranes exhibit enhanced selectivity and permeability, but stability still needs to be improved. In this study, we prepared ZIF-8/PEBA mixed matrix membranes with different loadings and used interface induction to control the directional distribution of nanoparticles. The controlled directional distribution of ZIF-8 in PEBA was studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of different ZIF-8 loading amounts on the formation and pervaporation performance of mixed matrix membranes were thoroughly studied. The prepared membrane was applied to 1 wt% n-butanol aqueous solution, achieving a high flux of 4.9 kg m−2 h−1 and a separation factor of 18.8. The directional distribution of nanoparticles in PEBA prevents direct contact with the feed liquid and effectively protects the structural stability of ZIF-8. The resulting ZIF-8/PEBA membrane showed excellent stability after more than 100 h of operation.