Polysulfone/Graphene Oxide Mixed Matrix Membranes for Improved CO₂/CH₄ Separation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are crucial for gas separation.
• Polysulfone (PSF) is a common polymer matrix, but its performance can be limited.
• Graphene oxide (GO) offers unique properties for membrane enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize PSF/GO MMMs for improved CO2/CH4 separation.
• To investigate the effect of GO incorporation on membrane morphology and performance.
• To evaluate the CO2 plasticization resistance of the developed MMMs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic characterization of MMM morphology.
• Gas permeation experiments to evaluate CO2/CH4 separation performance.
• Assessment of CO2 plasticization resistance at varying pressures.

Main Results:

• GO incorporation enhanced gas permeation and CO2/CH4 selectivity in PSF membranes.
• The PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane achieved high CO2 permeability (21.63 Barrer) and selectivity (14.32).
• PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane showed superior CO2 plasticization resistance, maintaining performance up to 10 bar.

Conclusions:

• PSF/GO MMMs demonstrate superior gas separation performance compared to pristine PSF.
• The optimized PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane is a promising candidate for carbon capture and natural gas purification.
• GO's reinforcing effect improves membrane stability and resistance to CO2 plasticization.