Phosphorylated nanocellulose fibrils/PVA nanocomposite membranes for biogas upgrading at higher pressure

High moisture uptake and excellent mechanical properties of cellulose nano-fibril (CNF) make it an interesting material to use as an additive in facilitated transport membranes. The objective of this work is to develop novel phosphorylated nanocellulose fibrils (PCNF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite membranes for biogas upgrading. Results showed that the thickness of membrane increases with increasing concentration of PCNF. The addition of PCNF to pristine PVA membranes has beneficial effect for CO2/CH4 separation. However, maximum performance was achieved with 1 wt.% PCNF in 2% PVA at pH 12. Furthermore, increasing feed pressure caused a decrease in both permeability and selectivity.