Mixed matrix membranes for post-combustion carbon capture: From materials design to membrane engineering

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2022-02, Vol.644 (C), p.120140, Article 120140
• Main Authors: Hu, Leiqing, Clark, Krysta, Alebrahim, Taliehsadat, Lin, Haiqing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon capture; CO2/N2 separation; Metal-organic frameworks; Mixed matrix materials; Thin-film composite membranes
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120140

Mixed matrix materials (MMMs) containing nanofillers dispersed in continuous polymer matrices have emerged as an exciting and versatile platform to develop membranes with superior CO2/N2 separation performance for post-combustion carbon capture. Both polymers and nanofillers can be vertically designed and engineered to combine the advantages of excellent processability (derived from polymers) and strong size-sieving ability or/and significant permanent porosity (originated from nanofillers). However, the MMMs face major challenges, such as interfacial incompatibility, particle agglomeration, and poor thin-film formability. This report provides a comprehensive yet critical review of various polymers and nanofillers (such as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and two-dimensional materials) with promising CO2/N2 separation properties. We exhaustively describe strategies to improve interfacial compatibility, such as in situ syntheses of polymers and nanofillers and functionalization of both components to improve adhesion. Moreover, we highlight various approaches to engineer the MMMs into thin-film composite (TFC) membranes. The review reveals the structure/property relationship in these MMMs and outlines the challenges and opportunities to realize their potential for practical applications. [Display omitted] •Empirical models and computational simulations for MMMs are described.•Leading polymers and inorganic materials for CO2/N2 separation are critically reviewed.•Strategies to mitigate interfacial compatibility in MMMs are exhaustively presented.•Approaches to fabricate MMM-TFC membranes are highlighted.