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

In this work, polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite membranes were prepared using both of oxidizedand cyanated MWCNT. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the affect of MWCNTfunctionalization on PU structures and permeability of CO2, CH4 and N2 gases in the polyurethanecomposite membranes.The prepared polyurethane–MWCNT membranes were characterized using Fourier transforminfrared (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 theCO2/N2, selectivity with MWCNT content. Also (-NCO) groups of functionalized MWCNT lead to phasemixing phenomenon in composite membrane that cause to reduction in gas permeability.

Keywords:

MWCNT , polyurethane , gas separation