Abstract
This work reported on the fabrication and investigation of a mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane (MMHFM) by incorporating commercially available alumina particles into a polyetherimide (PEI) polymer matrix. These MMHFMs were prepared by the dry-wet spinning technique. Accordingly, optimizing the spinning parameters, including the air gap distance and flow rate ratio, is key to determining the gas separation performance. However, there are few studies regarding the effect of the filler dimensions. Consequently, three sizes of alumina particles, 20 nm, 30 nm, and 1000 nm, were respectively added into the PEI phase to examine the influence of filler size on gas permeation property. Moreover, the permeation properties of lower hydrocarbons (i.e., ethane and propane) were also measured to evaluate potential for emerging applications. The results indicated the as-synthesized membrane exhibited a remarkable hydrogen permeance of 1065.24 GPU, and relatively high separation factors of 4.53, 5.77, and 5.39 for H2/CO2, H2/C2H6, and H2/C3H8, respectively. This resulted from good compatibility between the larger fillers and the PEI polymer, as well as a reduction in the finger-like voids. Overall, the MMHFM in this work was deemed to be a promising candidate to separate hydrogen from gas streams, based on the comparison of the separation performance against other reported studies.
Highlights
Accepted: 7 November 2021Undoubtedly, faced with the threats of depletion of petrochemical resource, catastrophic extreme weather, and burgeoning energy demand, all countries are driven to seek for renewable resources for sustainable development [1]
The gas separation performance of the resulting mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane (MMHFM) still suffered from the dispersion of inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix
A fixed number of commercial alumina nanoparticles were successfully incorporated as fillers into a polyetherimide (PEI) matrix to prepare a mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane (MMHFM)
Summary
Faced with the threats of depletion of petrochemical resource, catastrophic extreme weather, and burgeoning energy demand, all countries are driven to seek for renewable resources for sustainable development [1]. Compared with flat-sheet and tubular membranes, hollow fiber configurations have an important place in a broad range of applications Given their exceptionally high surface area per volume, hollow fiber configurations enable membrane units to possess a high packing density and offer superior separation efficiency, and have, received increased attention from researchers. For this reason, it is desirable to further develop the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane (MMHFM) to improve membrane durability, simplify the fabrication stage, and increase the membrane separation efficiency. (ii) nano-size alumina particles can provide the selective surface flow characteristic, due to their mesoporous nature; (iii) the synergism effect could be expected by the hydrogen bonding between both materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
