Effect of Humidity on CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ Separation Using Novel Robust Mixed Matrix Composite Hollow Fiber Membranes:...

In this work, the performance of new robust mixed matrix composite hollow fiber (MMCHF) membranes with a different selective layer composition is evaluated in the absence and presence of water vapor in CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ separation. The selective layer of these membranes is made of highly permeable hydrophobic poly(trimethyl-1-silylpropine) (PTMSP) and hydrophilic chitosan-ionic liquid (IL-CS) hybrid matrices, respectively, filled with hydrophilic zeolite 4A particles in the first case and HKUST-1 nanoparticles in the second, coated over compatible supports. The effect of water vapor in the feed or using a commercial hydrophobic PDMSXA-10 HF membrane has also been studied for comparison. Mixed gas separation experiments were performed at values of 0 and 50% relative humidity (RH) in the feed and varying CO₂ concentration in N₂ and CH₄, respectively. The performance has been validated by a simple mathematical model considering the effect of temperature and relative humidity on membrane permeability.