Transport Properties of Fullerene–Polyphenylene Oxide Homogeneous Membranes

Abstract

Fullerene–polyphenylene oxide (C60–PPO) compositions containing up to 2 wt% C60 were obtained and used for homogeneous membranes formation. Gas separation properties were estimated by measuring the permeability of individual gases H2, O2, N2, CH4, and CO2. A correlation between gas permeability and free volume was established. The pervaporation of water/ethanol mixtures through fullerene‐containing membranes showed that C60–PPO membranes exhibit dehydration properties. The degree of equilibrium sorption for PPO and C60–PPO membranes in a water/ethanol system was estimated in the liquid phase. Gas separation and pervaporation properties were treated as a reflection of molecular interactions between PPO and C60 molecules in compositions.