Enhancing Separation and Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Membranes through Nanoparticle Surface Modification

Membranes with selective gas transport properties and good mechanical integrity are increasingly desired to replace current energy intensive approaches to gas separation. Here, we report on the dual enhancement of transport and mechanical properties of hybrid cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) membranes with aminopropyl-modified silica nanoparticles. CO₂ permeability in hybrid membranes exceeds what can be predicted by Maxwell's equation and surpasses values of the pure polymer. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analyses reveal increases in both the storage modulus and thermal stability in hybrid membranes, with respect to silica nanoparticle loading.