Synthesis and Characterization of PVDF Hollow Fiber Using Adipic Acid as an Additive for Gas-Liquid Membrane...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a versatile polymer for membrane applications.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is crucial for mitigating climate change.
• Gas-liquid membrane contactors are effective for CO2 removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize PVDF hollow fiber membranes for CO2 capture.
• To investigate the effect of adipic acid as an additive on membrane properties.
• To evaluate the performance of these membranes in a gas-liquid membrane contactor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PVDF hollow fiber membranes using adipic acid in the dope solution.
• Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy and helium ion microscopy (HIM).
• Performance evaluation in a gas-liquid membrane contactor for CO2 removal, including gas permeation and helium picnometry.

Main Results:

• HIM revealed nanopores on the outer surface of PVDF hollow fibers, potentially preventing membrane wetting.
• PVDF hollow fiber membranes demonstrated superior CO2 flux compared to commercial polypropylene hollow fiber membranes.
• Membrane performance was influenced by the number of fibers and module length.

Conclusions:

• PVDF hollow fiber membranes modified with adipic acid are promising for efficient CO2 capture.
• The observed nanopores contribute to improved membrane performance by reducing wetting.
• These novel membranes offer a competitive alternative to existing commercial options for CO2 removal.