Improving CO2/CH4 separation efficiency of Pebax-1657 membrane by adding Al2O3 nanoparticles in its matrix

In this study, polymeric nanocomposite gas separation membranes were fabricated by incorporating different contents of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt %) into the matrix of poly (ether-block-amide) (Pebax). The resultant membranes properties were characterized by using FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA. Permeation rates of pure CO2 and CH4 gases through the fabricated pristine and the nanoparticles-incorporated membranes were measured at different pressures (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 bar) and a fixed temperature of 25 degrees C. The results revealed better separation efficiency (CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity) of the nanocomposite membranes than the pristine membrane. For example, the CO2 permeability and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity values for the neat membrane at the pressure of 3 bar were 123.46 Barrer and 21.21, respectively while those values for the membrane comprising 8 wt % of Al2O3 were 159.27 Barrer and 24.73.