Effect of filler functional groups on gas separation properties of PEBA-CNT mixed matrix membranes

چکیده مقاله

Poly ether-block-amide (PEBA) is a polymeric membrane material which being used in CO2/N2 separation. In order to further improve its gas separation capability and develop a membrane with a superior performance, modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) were incorporated into the PEBA matrix. In this study, the gas separation performance of PEBA and PEBA/mMWCNTs mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) was investigated for N2 and CO2 at different pressures. The carboxylic MWCNTs to embedding in the polymeric matrix, were functionalized with cyanate groups. Prepared MMMs were characterized by FTIR, XRD and AFM tests. The cyanate functionalized MMM showed 4% increase in the permeability of CO2 at 20 ˚C and 13 bar compared to the neat membrane. Moreover results illustrates 53% enhancement in selectivity of CO2/N2. The MMMs containing fillers overcomes the CO2/N2 Robeson's upper bound and cyanate functionalized MMM showed better gas separation performance.