Optimization of parameters affecting separation of gas mixture of O2, N2, CO2 and CH4 by PMP membranemodified with TiO2, ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles

The application of membranes in various industries is one of the most urgent needs to reduce energyconsumption and environmental pollutants as well as low investment costs in the process of separation. Inthis investigation, the optimization of effective parameters for separation of gas mixture of CH4, CO2, O2and N2 is studied by modified poly(4-methyl-1-pentane) (PMP) membrane including nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO,Al2O3). Design expert software was used and prevailing data on membrane modeling were categorized accordingto the process variables such as permeability, selectivity, composition and percentage of nanoparticle, and gaspressure difference. In order to validate the model, the results predicted by the model were compared with theexperimental data. Good agreement was observed between the predicted and experimental data, and it was foundthat nanoparticles have a considerable effect on the results. In the case of gas permeability, the best results wereobtained for the nanoparticles of alumina (15 wt%) at the pressure of 3 bar. However, titanium dioxide nanoparticle(10 wt%) at the pressure of 9 bar showed the best results for gas selectivity. The optimum point for both permeabilityand selectivity was obtained for the membrane containing 10 wt% titanium dioxide at 5 bar. Polyolefins J (2020)7: 13-24

Keywords:

Poly(4-methyl 1-pentane) , Permeability , Selectivity , Titanium dioxide , Aluminum oxide