Preparation and characterization of siloxane composite membranes for n-butanol concentration from ABE solution by pervaporation

A poly(vinylidenefluoride)(PVDF) layer was obtained by casting PVDF/N-methylpyrrolidone solution on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) non-woven sheet using phase inversion. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and phenyltrimethoxysilane (PhTMS) were cured on PVDE layer surfaces to obtain composite membranes. Multilayer polyphenylsiloxane (PPhS)/PDMS/PVDF composite membranes were prepared for butanol separation in acetone/butanol/ethanol (ABE). The composite membranes were characterized by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle analysis. Membrane performances were examined using pervaporation with feed solutions of ABE and water. The permeate flux and separation factor for PPhS/PDMS/PVDF were 261.4 g/m(2) h and 46.82 in pervaporation separation of 1 wt% butanol in ABE solution at 30 degrees C. The permeation mechanism was explained by the solubility parameters of the permeating components and membrane surfaces. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.