Abstract
The study of the effects associated with the compatibility of the components of the hybrid filler with polymer matrix, which ultimately decide on achieving mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with better gas separation properties, is essential. Herein, a facile solution casting process of simple incorporating CeO2@GO hybrid inorganic filler material is implemented. Significant improvements in material and physico-chemical properties of the synthesized membranes were observed by SEM, XRD, TGA, and stress-strain measurements. Usage of graphene oxide (GO) with polar groups on the surface enabled forming bonds with ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles and CTA polymer and provided the homogeneous dispersion of the nanofillers in the hybrid MMMs. Moreover, increasing GO loading concentration enhanced both gas permeation in MMMs and CO2 gas uptakes. The best performance was achieved by the membrane containing 7 wt.% of GO with CO2 permeability of 10.14 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity 50.7. This increase in selectivity is almost fifteen folds higher than the CTA-CeO2 membrane sample, suggesting the detrimental effect of GO for enhancing the selectivity property of the MMMs. Hence, a favorable synergistic effect of CeO2@GO hybrid fillers on gas separation performance is observed, propounding the efficient and feasible strategy of using hybrid fillers in the membrane for the potential biogas upgrading process.
Highlights
Membrane systems have become an accepted gas treating technology
The study of the effects associated with the compatibility of the components of the hybrid filler with polymer matrix, which decide on achieving mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with better gas separation properties, is essential
The addition of the porous/nonporous inorganic fillers into the polymer matrixes combine the processability of polymeric membranes with the good gas separation performance of the inorganic membranes [5], synergistically contributing to the enhancement in membrane separation performance, minimizing the trade-off limit
Summary
Membrane systems have become an accepted gas treating technology. This technology plays a key role in biogas upgrading and offshore natural gas treatment processes, especially to remove CO2 [1]. Inorganic membranes show significantly higher diffusivity and selectivity of gas molecules due to discerning ability based on pore size and shape, possessing high thermal and chemical stability, mechanical strength, and longer life span [2]. These membranes face the limitation of poor scalability, high cost and complicated fabrication procedure [3]. Highly absorptive inorganic nano-fillers benefits from their large surface area and abundant active sites [6] These inorganic fillers occasionally exhibited limited compatibility with the polymer matrixes, poor dispensability due to their strong intermolecular van der Waals interaction and aggregation in membranes [7,8].
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 call
