Hydrogen purification using natural zeolite-loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose membrane

In this study, natural zeolite-loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) mixed-matrix membranes were produced and used for separation of hydrogen (H-2) from carbon dioxide (CO2). Structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the mixed-matrix membranes were investigated. The effects of zeolite addition and trans-membrane pressure on the gas permeability and H-2/CO2 selectivity have been evaluated. As the zeolite ratio in the membrane increased, H-2/CO2 selectivity increased. The highest H-2/CO2 selectivity of 8.85 was obtained using 20 wt% of natural zeolite-loaded membrane at a constant pressure difference of 4 bar. The selectivity and permeability values of 20 wt% zeolite-loaded membrane exceeded the Robeson's upper bound curve-1991.

Automated summary

In this study, natural zeolite-loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose mixed-matrix membranes were produced and used for separation of hydrogen from carbon dioxide. The effects of zeolite addition and trans-membrane pressure on gas permeability and H-2/CO2 selectivity were evaluated. The highest selectivity of 8.85 was obtained using 20 wt% of natural zeolite-loaded membrane at a constant pressure difference of 4 bar, exceeding Robeson's upper bound curve-1991.