Solvent influence on the textural properties and CO2/N2 separation performance of novel Pebax-1657/attapulgite mixed matrix membranes. Issue 5 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Siraj; Lian, Shaohan; Tan, Yaxin; Li, Run; Zhao, Quan; Song, Chunfeng; Liu, Qingling; Lu, Shijian
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: CO2 capture -- Membrane -- Pebax-1657 -- Attapulgite -- NMP -- DMF; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105806
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have gained significant attention in CO2 separation. However, the symmetrical dispersion of inorganic filler nanoparticles during MMMs fabrication is still a crucial challenge. The present work investigates the outcome of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N-N-Dimethyl-formamide (DMF) solvents on MMMs texture, perm-selectivity and nanoparticles dispersion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed for membrane characterization. The MMMs fabricated with NMP solvent showed competitive CO2 permeability (120.20 barrer) and CO2 /N2 selectivity (69.31) compared to the membranes prepared with DMF solvent. It has been indicated that the molar volume, boiling point and solubility parameters were significant factors in the solvent selection. Moreover, the effect of operating temperature on gas transport properties showed substantial impact in perm-selectivity, at 3 bar feed-pressure, with the temperature dropping from 40 °C to 0 °C, the CO2 /N2 gases selectivity increased from 69.31 to 105.50, equating to a 64.8% decrease in CO2 permeability. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Effect of different solvents on Pebax-1657/ATP MMMs separation performance were evaluated. NMP improved ATP filler nanoparticle dispersion in Pebax-1657/ATP MMMs. CO2 permeability and CO2 /N2 selectivity achieved 120.20 Barrer and 69.31. CO2 /N2 selectivity of Pebax-1657/ATP MMMs at 0 °C temperature could enhance to 105.50.