Novel nanocomposite membranes-derived poly(4-methyl-1-pentene)/functionalized titanium dioxide to improve the gases transport properties and separation performance

Since the development of science and technology has motivated researchers to find economic solutions in order to reduce energy consumption and environmental pollutants, it is essential to recognize the application membranes in separation industries. The present research has scrutinized pure gas separation to evaluate the effectivity of the composite of nano-poly(4-methyl-1-pentene)/titanium dioxide nanotubes. Titanium dioxide nanotubes were functionalized for better dispersion in the polymer matrix and correlation with polymer chains. Pure membranes with 2 wt% made of polymer and combined membranes with 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% were gathered. Membranes were made as a result of the solvent evaporation process. The permeability rate of pure gases including nitrogen, oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide was considered in gas separation system. A scanning electron microscope was used to identify the structure of membranes and study the Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction. The analysis of images revealed a homogenous and proper distribution of the nanoparticles for all membranes. Also, agglomeration occurred in 2 wt% of titanium dioxide. The properties of membrane's permeability were improved through inspecting the effects of increasing the percentage of composition of the nanoparticles, simultaneous enhancement in permeability values and selectivity of all gases at different pressures. In addition, pressure changes indicated simultaneous growth in permeability values and gas selectivity up to 6 bar with respect to pure membranes. In fact, selectivity is also reduced for the sake of some agglomeration in membranes of 2 wt% nanoparticle, while increasing the permeability is enhanced due to the membranes of 2 wt% nanoparticle.