Amidation-Reaction Strategy Constructs Versatile Mixed Matrix Composite Membranes towards Efficient Volatile Organic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mixed matrix composite membranes (MMCMs) are crucial for reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and separating carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Designing effective MMCMs requires optimizing the composite layer, substrate, and filler-matrix compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance MMCM (UiO-66-NA@PDMS/MCE) for simultaneous VOC adsorption and CO2 permea-selectivity.
• To establish a facile fabrication method for the composite layer using an amidation-reaction approach.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite layer on a substrate via amidation reaction.
• Molecular simulations to confirm compatibility between UiO-66-NH2 and PDMS.
• Gas adsorption and permeation experiments to evaluate performance.
• Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (EMD) simulations to understand CO2 affinity.

Main Results:

• The composite layer exhibited continuous morphology without interface voids, indicating excellent filler-matrix compatibility.
• The MMCM demonstrated strong adsorption of four VOCs and achieved a high CO2 permeance of 276.5 GPU with a selectivity of 36.2.
• VOC presence enhanced UiO-66-NH2 polarity and pore size, improving CO2 affinity and permea-selectivity.

Conclusions:

• A facile and effective method for manufacturing MMCMs with enhanced VOC adsorption and CO2 permea-selectivity was developed.
• The UiO-66-NA@PDMS/MCE shows significant potential for environmental applications, particularly in emissions control and gas separation.