Improving CO2 separation performance by incorporating MWCNTs@mSiO2 core@shell filler in mixed matrix membranes

Abstract

To improve CO2 separation performance in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), a novel mesoporous silica‐coated on the outer surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs@mSiO2) core@shell filler was synthesized and dispersed into Pebax MH 1657 (TPE) matrix. The introduced mSiO2 layer on the outer surface of MWCNTs have a favorable effect on the dispersion and compatibility of MWCNTs@mSiO2 core@shell filler in TPE matrix. Most importantly, the pore channels of mesoporous silica and MWCNTs constructed the feasible gas transport pathways for CO2 permeation in MMMs. The MMMs presented the best CO2 separation performance when the content of MWCNTs@mSiO2 in TPE matrix was 10 wt%. The CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity of TPE‐MWCNTs@mSiO2‐10 membrane were 379 Barrer and 39 for CO2/CH4 mixed‐gas, respectively. The CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity of TPE‐MWCNTs@mSiO2‐10 membrane were 364 Barrer and 58 for CO2/N2 mixed‐gas, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4486–4495, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers