Highly CO2 selective mixed matrix membranes of polysulfone based on hetaryl modified SBA-16 particles

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2021-03, Vol.258, p.117999, Article 117999
• Main Authors: Suhail, Farah, Batool, Madeeha, Shah, Asma Tufail, Tabassum, Sobia, Khan, Asim Laeeq, Gilani, Mazhar Amjad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2; Gas separation; Mesoporous silica; Mixed matrix membranes; Pyrazole
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117999

•MMMs based on PSf and pyrazole functionalized SBA-16 for CO2 Capture.•Good dispersion of the functionalized fillers in the polymer matrix.•Simultaneous increase in permeability and selectivities was obtained. Mixed matrix membranes were prepared by incorporating pyrazole functionalized SBA-16 type mesoporous silica as filler in polysulfone (PSf) matrix. The structure, morphology, and porosity of functionalized filler were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, 13C NMR spectra and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. A good uniform interaction of filler with polymer matrix was observed for all membranes. The porosity of filler enhanced the CO2 gas diffusivity through the membrane leading to increased CO2 permeability of up to 14.43 Barrer (116% increase) at the highest filler loading of 30%. The presence of CO2-philic functional groups resulted in a simultaneous increase in both ideal and mixed gas CO2/N2 selectivity of 42.44 and 46.13 respectively (68.34% and 87.06% increase respectively), compared to non-functionalized filler).