Abstract
Functionalised titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) were incorporated to poly(5,5-bisbenzimidazole-2,2-diyl-1,3-phenylene) (PBI) or poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) for improving the interfacial compatibility between the polymer matrix and inorganic material and for altering the gas separation performance of the neat polymer membranes. Functionalisation consisted in oxidative polymerisation of dopamine-hydrochloride on the surface of non-functionalised TiNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer was created on the surface of TiNTs. 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 wt.% of PDA-functionalised TiNTs (PDA-TiNTs) were dispersed to each type of polymer matrix to create so-called mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that –OH and –NH groups exist on the surface of PDA-TiNTs and that the nanotubes interact via H-bonding with PBI but not with PPO. The distribution of PDA-TiNTs in the MMMs was to some extent uniform as scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies showed. Beyond, PDA-TiNTs exhibit positive effect on gas transport properties, resulting in increased selectivities of MMMs. The addition of nanotubes caused a decrease in permeabilities but an increase in selectivities. It is shown that 9 wt.% of PDA-TiNTs in PBI gave a rise to CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities of 112 and 63 %, respectively. In case of PPO-PDA-TiNT MMMs, CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity increased about 25 and 17 %, respectively. Sorption measurement showed that the presence of PDA-TiNTs in PBI caused an increase in CO2 sorption, whereas the influence on other gases is less noticeable.
Highlights
Nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest in many applications, including the field of membrane science [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
Mixed matrix membrane (MMM) were prepared using Titanate nanotube (TiNT) functionalised with PDA and a PBI and PPO, respectively, as the polymer matrix
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the prepared MMM revealed that the functionalised TiNTs are well dispersed throughout the both matrices
Summary
Nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest in many applications, including the field of membrane science [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Numerous works have been published on the use of inorganic particles in various polymeric membrane structures and their functionalities [1, 8,9,10,11,12,13]. The goal of such so-called mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) is to achieve a system with more useful structural or functional properties unattainable by any of the constituent itself which may help to overcome. Uniformly dispersed nanoparticles in the polymer matrix as well as interfacial bonding notably influence gas transport properties [9, 16, 18].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
