Aminosilane-functionalized ZIF-8/PEBA mixed matrix membrane for gas separation application

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials 2017-07, Vol.247, p.124-135
• Main Authors: Amedi, Hamid Reza, Aghajani, Masoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aminosilane functionalization; Gas separation; Mixed matrix membrane; Poly (ether block amide); ZIF-8 nanoparticles
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2017.04.001

In this study, bilayer mixed matrix membranes based polyether block amide containing ZIF-8 metal organic nanoparticles, as dispersed particles within the polymer matrix, were synthesized to separate carbon dioxide from methane. To prevent nanocomposite membrane selectivity from a drastic reduction at high loading, the particles were modified by APTMS, APTES. The modified nanoparticles were identified and examined using XRD, BET, DLS, and FTIR. Then the permeability tests were performed with carbon dioxide and methane. A 40 μm thick PES membrane was produced as the base and the PEBA/ZIF-8 MMM with the thickness of about 4 μm as the thin, selectively permeable layer. The APTES-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles increased forces between the particle surface and polymer chains leading to increased permeability without any significant change in the selectivity. At the loading of 40 wt percentage, the permeability of carbon dioxide significantly improved to 6.7 × 10−8 molm−2s−1pa−1 and selectivity remained about 16. [Display omitted] •The PES/PEBAX/ZIF-8 bilayer mixed matrix membranes modified by two silane coupling agents were synthesized.•The particles and membranes were studied by XRD, BET, SEM, DLS and FTIR and Permeation of gases were evaluated.•The MMM based polyether block amide containing ZIF-8-APTES showed a promising performance in CO2/CH4 Separation.