Poly(ether-block-amide) Copolymer Membranes in CO2 Separation Applications

Abstract

Poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA, commercialized as Pebax) copolymer membranes show a highly promising platform for preparing high-performance membranes for CO2 capture from process streams containing CH4 and N2. Pebax combines high CO2 affinity with the desired mechanical strength for polymeric membranes thanks to its flexible polyether segment and hard polyamide block, respectively. Furthermore, researchers have been improving the performance of these membranes by preparing a thin Pebax selective layer on top of porous supports and by incorporating inorganic and organic nanofillers into the Pebax matrix to overcome the permeance-selectivity limit. The chemical and structural characteristics of Pebax membranes according to the different fabrication techniques and parameters are discussed first. Then, the recent developments in terms of both Pebax-based thin film composite and mixed matrix membranes are summarized. Finally, thermal and water stabilities of these membranes are addressed.