Superior CO2/N2 separation performance of highly branched Poly(1,3 dioxolane) plasticized by polyethylene glycol

Abstract

With its high content of CO 2 -philic ether oxygen groups, poly(1,3-dioxolane) (PDXLA) has emerged as an attractive platform to achieve excellent CO 2 /N 2 separation properties for post-combustion carbon capture. Herein we demonstrate that the separation properties of PDXLA can be further enhanced by plasticizing with miscible polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based additives using an integrated experimentation and modeling approach. The effects of the chain end groups and loading level of the additives on the physical properties of the blends are thoroughly investigated, including glass transition temperature ( T g ), fractional free volume, and gas transport properties, and the effects can be satisfactorily described using models available for homogeneous blends. Notably, a T g -integrated free volume model is adapted to successfully interpret the unified effect of the blend composition and temperature on gas diffusivity and permeability. A sample containing 45 mass% PEG dimethyl ether (PEGDME with a molecular mass of 240 g/mol) displays stable mixed-gas CO 2 permeability of 1540 Barrer and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of 40 when challenged with a model flue gas at 60 °C, outperforming Robeson's 2008 upper bound. Elucidating how small plasticizers impact gas transport in homogeneous blends may unravel a facile way to design high-performance membranes for gas separations. Enhancing CO 2 /N 2 separation performance of poly(1,3 dioxolane) by plasticizing with polyethylene glycol derivatives. • Homogeneous blends were prepared from poly(1,3 dioxolane) and polyethylene glycol. • Plasticization decreases T g and increases free volume and gas permeability. • Lower molecular weight PEG without OH groups show more plasticization impact. • Effect of temperature and composition on gas permeability is described using the free volume model. • Blends exhibit stable mixed-gas CO 2 /N 2 separation performance above the upper bound.