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

Poly ether-block-amide (PEBA) is a polymeric membrane material which being used in CO2/N2separation. In order to further improve its gas separation capability and develop a membrane with asuperior performance, modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) were incorporated into thePEBA matrix. In this study, the gas separation performance of PEBA and PEBA/mMWCNTs mixed matrixmembranes (MMMs) was investigated for N2 and CO2 at different pressures. The carboxylic MWCNTs toembedding in the polymeric matrix, were functionalized with cyanate groups. Prepared MMMs werecharacterized by FTIR, XRD and AFM tests. The cyanate functionalized MMM showed 4% increase in thepermeability 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 supper bound and cyanate functionalized MMM showed better gas separation performance.

Keywords:

PEBA , MWCNTs , Modified nano-filler , Gas separation