Synthesis, characterization and gas permeability of an activated carbon-loaded PEBAX 2533 membrane

Poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBAX-2533) was used as a polymer matrix and micro-mesoporous activated carbon (AC) particles were chosen as the inorganic fillers in fabricating mixed matrix membranes. Performance of the novel composite membranes, in terms of selectivity towards CO2, was investigated as a function of feed pressure and carbon loading. Membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study their surface and cross-sectional morphologies. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) studies were performed to check if the AC particles interacted with the polymer and also to understand the separation mechanisms. Gas permeance Of CO2 and CH4 was determined for 50% and 100% carbon-loaded PEBAX-2533 membrane using an indigenously built high-pressure gas separation manifold. PEBAX-2533-AC membranes exhibited an increase in CO2 gas permeance with increasing carbon loadings in the mixed matrix membranes. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008