CO2 from waste to resource by developing novel mixed matrix membranes

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by the hydrothermal synthesis of ordered mesoporous KIT-6 type silica and incorporating in polyimide (P84). KIT-6 and MMMs were characterized to evaluate morphology, thermal stability, surface area, pore volume, and other characteristics. SEM images of synthesized MMMs and permeation data of CO2 suggested homogenous dispersion of mesoporous fillers and their adherence to the polymer matrix. The addition of KIT-6 to polymer matrix improved the permeability of CO2 due to the increase in diffusivity through porous particles. The permeability was 3.2 times higher at 30% loading of filler. However, selectivity showed a slight decrease with the increase in filler loadings. The comparison of gas permeation results of KIT-6 with the well-known MCM-41 revealed that K1T-6 based MMMs showed 14% higher permeability than that of MMMs composed of mesoporous MCM-41. The practical commercial viability of synthesized membranes was examined under different operating temperatures and mixed gas feeds. Mcsoporous KIT-6 silica is an attractive additive for gas permeability enhancement without compromising the selectivity of MMMs.

Automated summary

The study investigated the fabrication and characterization of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using KIT-6 type silica, showing that the addition of KIT-6 improved the permeability of CO2 while slightly decreasing the selectivity with increased filler loadings. Compared to MCM-41, KIT-6 based MMMs exhibited higher permeability, indicating its potential as an attractive additive for gas permeability enhancement.