Modification of gas permeation properties of PU-based membranes via CNT functionalization

چکیده مقاله

In this work, polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite membranes were prepared using both of oxidized and cyanated MWCNT. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the affect of MWCNT functionalization on PU structures and permeability of CO2, CH4 and N2 gases in the polyurethane composite membranes. The prepared polyurethane–MWCNT membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The results illustrate a reduction in the gas permeability, while a significant enhancement in the CO2/N2, selectivity with MWCNT content. Also (-NCO) groups of functionalized MWCNT lead to phase mixing phenomenon in composite membrane that cause to reduction in gas permeability.