A 2D Graphitic-Polytriaminopyrimidine (g-PTAP)/Poly(ether-block-amide) Mixed Matrix Membrane for CO₂ Separation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Developing advanced membranes for efficient gas separation is critical.
• Poly(ether-block-amide) (Pebax) is a promising polymer for membrane applications.
• Incorporating nanofillers can enhance membrane performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and study poly(ether-block-amide)/g-PTAP mixed matrix membranes (MMMs).
• To investigate the effect of a novel 2D g-PTAP nanofiller on membrane structure and gas permeability.
• To evaluate the compatibility and interaction between Pebax and g-PTAP.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of 2D g-PTAP nanofiller using FESEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, DSC, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Fabrication of MMMs with varying wt.% of g-PTAP.
• Investigation of polymer-nanofiller interaction and thermal stability.
• Gas permeation experiments to measure CO2 and N2 permeability and selectivity.

Main Results:

• The g-PTAP nanofiller was effectively integrated into the Pebax matrix without compromising thermal stability.
• MMMs exhibited enhanced CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity compared to neat Pebax membranes.
• Maximum CO2 permeability increased to 154.6 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity to 83.5 with 2.5 wt.% g-PTAP.

Conclusions:

• The incorporation of 2D g-PTAP nanofillers is an effective strategy to improve the gas separation performance of Pebax-based MMMs.
• These MMMs demonstrate significant potential for carbon capture and other gas separation applications.
• The study highlights the successful development of high-performance membranes through rational design of nanofillers.