Amine-impregnated natural zeolite as filler in mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation

Flat mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising polysulfone and clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite were prepared by casting. Zeolite was modified with three alkylamines: ethanolamine (EA), bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHPA), and polyethylenimine (PEI) by the impregnation method. Impregnated zeolite samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N-2 adsorption-desorption. The alkylamine loading extent determined by thermogravimetric analysis was 5.2, 4.8, and 8.5% for EA, BHPA, and PEI, respectively. Analyses of MMMs showed that the incorporation of impregnated zeolite affected the glass-transition temperature (T-g) and mixed-gas transport properties. In this regard, a decreasing trend of the T-g values from 185.5 degrees C for the polymeric membrane up to 176.6 degrees C for Clino-EA-based MMM was recorded. In addition, the gas separation performance was evaluated at two different feed pressures. At 50 psi, MMMs showed an enhancement up to 30% on the CO2 permeability (22.79 Barrer) and 55% on the CO2/CH4 selectivity (45.78) in comparison with the polymeric membrane (CO2 permeability 17.34 Barrer; CO2/CH4 selectivity 29.38). These values varied depending on the alkylamine, BHPA being the most selective. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48286.