Optimization analysis of polyurethane based mixed matrix gas separation membranes by incorporation of gamma-cyclodextrin metal organic frame work

Abstract

In this article, a polyurethane-based mixed matrix membrane employed for the separation of carbon dioxide from methane (CO2/CH4) and permeability as well as selectivities of both the gases were determined. Gamma-cyclodextrin metal–organic framework (γ-CD-MOF) was used as a filler and incorporated (0.2–1 wt%) weight percentage into the polyurethane matrix for the fabrication of dense gas separation membrane through the solution casting method. These membrane samples were undergone following characterization techniques, i.e., FTIR, SEM, XRD and UTS for qualitative analysis. Gamma-CD-MOF equipped with an ideal cavity of 17 A diameter and an abundance of the hydroxyl group in a single molecular structure. This unique characteristic stands out Gamma-CD-MOF as the most preferential filler that can adsorb carbon dioxide from mixture of gases. Membrane samples were tested using single and mixed gases and results reflected the enhancement in carbon dioxide (CO2) permeability. The best CO2/CH4 selectivity of 28.56 is achieved by PU/γ-CD-MOF 0.2 wt%.