Preparation and Characterization of PIM-1/Modified Zeolite Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2 Separation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, ABBOTTABAD UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2 Abottabad University of Science and Technology

3 Quaid i Azam University Islamabad

4 Abbottabad University of Science and Technology

5 Abbottabad University of science and technology

Abstract

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) is synthesized by incorporating modified zeolite (MZ) as the filler. Zeolite was treated with (3-Aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES). This treatment provided terminal amino groups to the zeolite by interaction between zeolite and ethoxy group of silane. MZ was systematically incorporated from 5 wt% to 15 wt% for evaluation of the improvement in gas separation behaviour. Physical characteristics and elemental analysis of MMMs were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectrum indicated physical interaction between PIM-1 and MZ. Scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM) revealed the smooth surface morphology for PIM-1 membrane. Aggregates of MZ were observed from SEM analysis of PIM-1/MZ MMMs which indicated the formation of additional void volume. The Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) analysis exhibited type I isotherm for PIM-1. The PIM-1 surface area was calculated to be 656 m2 g-1. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that membranes are thermally stable up to 460 ᴼC. Gas separation behaviour of MMMs was also evaluated with particular focus on CO2 /N2 separation. Permeability was observed to increase with increasing filler concentration. CO2 permeability was evaluated to increase from 2610 barrer for PIM-1 membrane to 5540 barrer for PIM-1/MZ MMM (15 wt%). Tremendous increase in permeability was observed for alcohol treated PIM-1/MZ MMMs. Aging analysis was performed by calculating the permeability for each membrane after 30, 60 and 90 days.

Graphical Abstract

Preparation and Characterization of PIM-1/Modified Zeolite Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2 Separation

Highlights

• TGA showed membranes are thermally stable up to 460°C.
• BET analysis of PIM-1 showed surface area of 656 m2g-1 and 346 m2g-1 for MZ.
• Incorporation of MZ significantly enhances the CO2 permeability as compared to PIM-1 alone.
• The methanol treated membranes exhibit considerable increase in permeability.
• Membrane’s performance with regards to CO2/N2 selectivity is improved up to 10 wt% MMM.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Membrane Science and Research
Volume 7, Issue 2
April 2021
Pages 85-94

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 March 2020
  • Revise Date: 05 May 2020
  • Accept Date: 05 May 2020

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