Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing a Biphenyl-Based Knitting Aryl Polymer and Gas Separation Performance

Novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared using Matrimid (M), polysulfone (PSF) or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) as the continuous phase and a porous biphenyl-based knitting aryl polymer as a filler, synthesized through the Friedel-Craft reaction. The filler had little influence on the thermal and morphological properties of the membranes but affected the mechanical and gas transport properties, which were different depending on the type of matrix. Thus, in the case of MMMs based on Matrimid, the filler increased considerably the permeability to all gases, although no improvements in selectivity were achieved. A PSF-based MMM showed minor permeability increases, but not in all gases, while the selectivity was particularly improved for hydrogen separations. A PPO-based MMM did not exhibit variation in permeability nor in permselectivity with the addition of the filler.

Automated summary

Novel mixed matrix membranes were prepared with different matrix materials and a porous biphenyl-based knitting aryl polymer as filler, synthesized through the Friedel-Craft reaction. The filler had varied effects on the mechanical and gas transport properties, with Matrimid-based MMMs showing increased permeability to all gases and improved selectivity for hydrogen separations. PSF-based MMMs exhibited minor permeability increases and improved selectivity for hydrogen separations, while PPO-based MMMs did not show significant changes with the addition of the filler.