Abstract
In this study, zeolite molecular sieve SAPO-34/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared to recover propane. n-Octyltrichlorosilane (OTCS) was introduced to improve compatibility between SAPO-34 and PDMS, and enhance the separation performance of the MMMs. Physicochemical properties of the MMMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle (WCA). Results showed that, after modification, alkyl chains were successfully grafted onto SAPO-34 without changing its crystal structure, particles in the MMMs were evenly distributed in the base film, and the hydrophobicity of the MMMs was enhanced. Moreover, the effects of SAPO-34 filling content, operating pressure, and feed gas concentration on the separation performance was explored. This indicated that the modification with OTCS effectively enhanced the separation performance of SAPO-34/PDMS MMMs. When the filling content of modified SAPO-34 was 15%, the maximal separation factor of 22.1 was achieved, and the corresponding propane permeation rate was 101 GPU.
Highlights
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions or active chemical substances determined in accordance with relevant regulations that damage human health and the environment [1]
Polymeric membranes formed by glassy polymer and rubbery polymer are a hot spot of research due to its excellent gas permeability and good processability [7]
Glassy polymer membranes usually have good gas permeability, but highly raw prices, complicated synthesis process and poor chemical stability limit its application in practical production
Summary
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions or active chemical substances determined in accordance with relevant regulations that damage human health and the environment [1]. Glassy polymer membranes usually have good gas permeability, but highly raw prices, complicated synthesis process and poor chemical stability limit its application in practical production. Rubbery polymer membranes such as polyoctylmethylsiloxane and polydecylmethylsiloxane are all successfully used for the separation of C3H8/CH4 [13], and PDMS is often used due to its high permeability and good chemical stability [14]. It performs well in the pure gas permeation test, performance in actual mixed gas (such as propane/nitrogen) still needs to be improved, especially since the adsorption of hydrocarbons leads to the polymer matrix swelling, and the selectivity of hydrocarbons thereby decreases [15–17]. A propane/nitrogen mixture was employed to study the separation performance of the membrane
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