High-performance gas separation using mixed-matrix composite membranes containing graphene nanoplatelets
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High‑performance gas separation using mixed‑matrix composite membranes containing graphene nanoplatelets Farhang Pazani1 · Abdolreza Aroujalian1 Received: 13 April 2020 / Revised: 30 August 2020 / Accepted: 6 November 2020 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Mixed-matrix composite membrane (MMCM) made from a dense selective layer filled with various filler on the top of a porous support layer is an effective method to obtain high gas separation performance compared to the conventional mixed-matrix membrane. In this study, the high CO2-selective Pebax-1657 layer was coated onto the porous PES support layer with desirable mechanical stability, and then graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were embedded into Pebax selective layer at different concentrations (below 1 wt%) to evaluate the influence of GNPs on the separation properties of gases such as CO2, O2, and N2 with distinct features under fixed pressure and temperature (4 bar and 25 °C). The prepared MMCMs were characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR analysis. The single gas separation results showed that the permeability and selectivity of MMCMs were simultaneously increased by GNP loading. The MMCM containing 0.7 wt% GNP considerably improved the CO2 permeability, CO2/N2, and O 2/N2 selectivities about 68%, 50%, and 28%, respectively, in comparison with the pure MMCM. This was attributed to the higher aspect ratio of GNPs, which can produce more interaction with Pebax and CO2 gas. Thus, fabrication of the GNP-embedded MMCMs is an effective strategy to improve the gas separation properties. Graphic abstract
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Vol.:(0123456789)
Polymer Bulletin
Keywords Gas separation · Mixed-matrix composite membrane · Pebax 1657 · Graphene
Introduction In the past two decades, polymeric-based membrane technology has been known as a favorable method compared with the traditional gas separation process due to its advantages such as facile processability, low energy consumption and environment friendliness [1]. Nevertheless, the gas separation performance of the polymeric membrane is restricted by the trade-off effect between permeability and selectivity expressed by Robeson’s upper bound [2]. This fact led to emerging a new type of membranes so-called mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). The mixed-matrix membrane comprises a polymeric matrix as a continuous phase and an inorganic filler as a dispersed phase [2]. Poly(ether-block-amide) with the trade name of Pebax is a rubbery block copolymer, which is regarded as a suitable choice for the polymeric matrix of MMMs [3]. Polyamide (PA 6 or 12) hard segment of Pebax with a crystalline state provides mechanical stability of the polymeric matrix, and polyether soft segment (PEO or PTMEO) via interaction with polar gases like CO2 facilitates the transition of gases through Pebax matrix [3]. Pebax-1657 (40% PA6 and 60% PEO) is a privileged candidate among different grades of the Pebax family for CO2/N2 and O2/N2 separation [4].
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