Functionalized KIT-6/Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO₂/CH₄ Gas Separation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are increasingly important for efficient gas separation.
• Functionalized porous materials offer potential for improving membrane performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporating functionalized KIT-6 (NH2KIT-6).
• To investigate the effect of NH2KIT-6 loading on CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity.
• To optimize NH2KIT-6 content for enhanced gas separation performance.

Main Methods:

• NH2KIT-6 was synthesized and characterized using FESEM, XRD, FTIR, and N2 adsorption-desorption.
• MMMs with varying NH2KIT-6 loadings (0-4 wt%) were fabricated.
• Gas permeation and separation studies were conducted to evaluate CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of void-free MMMs with NH2KIT-6 loadings up to 2 wt%.
• CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity increased with NH2KIT-6 loading from 0 to 2 wt%.
• Optimal performance was achieved at 2 wt% NH2KIT-6, yielding a 47% increase in ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity, with performance declining at higher loadings.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized NH2KIT-6 can effectively enhance the gas separation performance of MMMs.
• The optimal loading of 2 wt% NH2KIT-6 provides a significant improvement in CO2/CH4 selectivity.
• This study demonstrates a promising approach for developing advanced membranes for gas separation applications.