Abstract
Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) separation is a promising technology for gas permeation and separation involving carbon dioxide (CO2). However, finding a suitable type of filler for the formation of defect-free MMMs with enhancement in gas permeability remains a challenge. Current study focuses on synthesis of KIT-6 silica and followed by the incorporation of KIT-6 silica as filler into polysulfone (PSF) polymer matrix to fabricate MMMs, with filler loadings of 0–8 wt %. The effect of KIT-6 incorporation on the properties of the fabricated MMMs was evaluated via different characterization techniques. The MMMs were investigated for gas permeability and selectivity with pressure difference of 5 bar at 25 °C. KIT-6 with typical rock-like morphology was synthesized. Incorporation of 2 wt % of KIT-6 into PSF matrix produced MMMs with no void. When KIT-6 loadings in the MMMs were increased from 0 to 2 wt %, the CO2 permeability increased by ~48%, whereas the ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity remained almost constant. However, when the KIT-6 loading in PSF polymer matrix was more than 2 wt %, the formation of voids in the MMMs increased the CO2 permeability but sacrificed the ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity. In current study, KIT-6 was found to be potential filler for PSF matrix under controlled KIT-6 loading for gas permeation.
Highlights
Polymer membranes have been used industrially for gas separation
When KIT-6 loadings in the matrix membranes (MMMs) were increased from 0 to 2 wt %, the CO2 permeability increased by ~48%, whereas the ideal CO2 /CH4 selectivity is from 0 to 2 wt %, the CO2 permeability increased by ~48%, whereas the ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity is observed to be almost constant
CO2 through the three-dimensional mesopores of KIT-6 loaded into the MMMs and the disruption of
Summary
Polymer membranes have been used industrially for gas separation. Their ease to scale-up, energy friendly, high efficiency, affordable, and simple operation make them economical favorable compared to conventional separation methods [1,2]. Ordered mesoporous silica materials, such as MCM-41 and MCM-48, are inorganic materials used as fillers in MMMs to enhance the gas separation performance of membranes. These mesoporous materials possess several advantages such as high CO2 adsorption, high specific surface area, high mechanical and thermal stability. Jomekian et al [19] prepared the MMMs of PSF incorporated with MCM-48 increased the CO2 permeability by ~193% compared to pristine PSF These studies show that incorporation of mesoporous silica into polymer membranes could enhance the gas permeability of the membranes. The fabricated MMMs were tested for gas permeability and selectivity at pressure difference of 5 bar
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