Novel MWCNT-buckypaper/polyvinyl alcohol asymmetric membrane for dehydration of etherification reaction mixture: Fabrication, characterisation and application

In this study, asymmetric membranes were prepared by first forming multi-walled carbon nanotube-buckypaper (MWCNT-BP) structures and later coating the structures with a thin layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form novel MWCNT-BP/PVA asymmetric membranes. The resultant asymmetric membranes were used...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of membrane science 2014-03, Vol.453, p.546-555
Main Authors: Yee, Kian Fei, Ong, Yit Thai, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, Tan, Soon Huat
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Asymmetry
Buckypaper
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Dehydration
Etherification
Exact sciences and technology
Exchange resins and membranes
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
General and physical chemistry
Membranes
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Nanostructure
Penetration
Permeation
Pervaporation
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polyvinyl alcohols
Technology of polymers
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Summary:In this study, asymmetric membranes were prepared by first forming multi-walled carbon nanotube-buckypaper (MWCNT-BP) structures and later coating the structures with a thin layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form novel MWCNT-BP/PVA asymmetric membranes. The resultant asymmetric membranes were used for the dehydration of a multi-component reaction mixture obtained from etherification through pervaporation. The asymmetric membranes exhibited improved mechanical properties relative to those of a pure PVA membrane. When the purified MWCNT-BP/PVA asymmetric membranes were applied in pervaporation, they exhibited significant two- and four-fold enhancements of the permeation flux and separation factor, respectively, compared to those of a pure PVA membrane. This effect was observed due to the hydrophilic group on the oxidised MWCNTs and the nanochannels of the pre-selective layer, which favour the permeation of water molecules. •A novel membrane was developed to separate multi-component etherification mixtures.•The asymmetric membranes show very high water-selective permeation.•The pre-selective layer of purified MWCNT-BP enhances pervaporation performance.•The hydrophilic behaviour and nanochannels of MWCNTs favour water permeability.
ISSN:0376-7388
1873-3123
DOI:10.1016/j.memsci.2013.11.040