Performance evaluation of biopolymer mixed matrix membrane for CO2/H2 separation

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) energy meets the demand for green and efficient energy; therefore, hydrogen generation, purification, and separation are required. Membrane technology produce ultrapure hydrogen gas using less energy, allowing the process to run continuously. For preparing H2 selective membranes, palladium (Pd) is a potential material because of its high affinity toward H2 absorption. This work modified natural polysaccharide guar gum matric with natural chitosan polymer. The crosslinking of both the polymer improves the tensile strength and elongation at break (%). The composite polymer membrane enhances the separation performance of CO2/N2 by 95.35% and CO2/H2 by 34.29%. Further improvements in CO2/H2, the Pd nanoparticles are incorporated into the composite polymer matrix (GG/CH). The gas permeability data shows a drastic reduction in H2 permeability by incorporating Pd-nanoparticles. In-room temperature, the selectivity of CO2/H2 was obtained 13.06. The morphology of membranes and the presence of Pd nanoparticles in the membrane is characterized by SEM-EDS for confirmation of Pd nanoparticle.