Hybrid Membranes for Carbon Capture

Abstract

Advances in separation technology, the continuing development of material science and increased rate of carbon emission have provided an important opportunity to find novel materials for separation of different species from eachother. Membrane-based gas separation technology have been used for capturing CO2 and offered many advantages due to their inherent attributes such as energy-saving and continuous operation compared to traditional methods like absorption and adsorption processes. To fabricate the membranes, various organic and inorganic materials can be utilized. Mixed matrix membranes, a family of the hybrid organic-inorganic membranes, are known as the innovative membranes for separation of CO2 from gas stream. Zeolites, silica, carbon nano tube (CNT), carbon molecular sieve (CMS), metal organic framework (MOF) and graphene are the most popular filler particles which have been utilized for adding into polymer matrix. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks when they are incorporated within the polymer. The performance of the mixed matrix membranes fabricated with different types of filler particles based on existing literature were reviewed with special focus on post- and pre-combustion carbon capture, for separation of CO2/N2 and H2/CO2, respectively. In most of cases, the CO2 permeability and selectivity are increased after embedding of fillers within polymer matrix compared to the neat polymers alone. Mixed matrix membranes preparation methods and formation of interfacial defects were also discussed briefly.