Enhanced C3H6/C3H8 separation performance in poly(vinyl acetate) membrane blended with ZIF-8 nanocrystals. (6th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Jian; Wang, Chongqing; Xiang, Long; Xu, Yuanze; Pan, Yichang
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 179(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2018-04-06
• Subjects: Composite membranes -- Membrane materials -- ZIF-8 -- Propylene/propane separations -- Membrane separations; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2017.12.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: High C3 H6 /C3 H8 separation performance ZIF-8/PVAc mixed matrix membranes were prepared. Both the C3 H6 permeability and C3 H6 /C3 H8 selectivity are about 10-fold increase over pure PVAc. The mechanical strength and plasticization resistance of the neat polymer membrane was also improved. The favorable interfacial interaction between ZIF-8 and PVAc was verified by several techniques. The gas transportation mechanism through ZIF-8/PVAc MMMs was also evaluated. Abstract: The implementation of membrane-based separation for olefin/paraffin mixtures has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, but is limited by the lack of suitable membrane materials with desired performance and low cost. Here, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) fabricated from incorporating ZIF-8 nanocrystals into the poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) matrix exhibit significant improvement of propylene/propane permeability and selectivity as well as the operating stability. On the 39 wt% ZIF-8/PVAc MMMs, both the C3 H6 permeability and C3 H6 /C3 H8 selectivity are about 10-fold increase over pure PVAc. The gas transportation mechanism through ZIF-8/PVAc MMMs was also evaluated. The favorable interfacial interaction between the H of the imidazole in the ZIF-8 and ester groups of PVAc enhances the mechanical strength and plasticization resistance of the neat polymer membrane. Therefore, the newly developed composite membrane may have great potential for industrial C3 H6 /C3 H8 separation.