(116j) Biochar As a Filler in Mixed Matrix Thin Film Materials

Mixed matrix materials (MMM) are increasingly becoming a major topic of research in recent years, owing to the unique properties achieved in these composites. Here, we demonstrate that biochar from biomass pyrolysis is a viable filler in MMM, especially MMM films used for various separation applications. We report characterization results of MMM films consisting of a biochar filler embedded in a polysulfone (PSF) matrix. The biochar is synthesized from sunflower seed hulls (SSH), and the film is produced by the wet phase inversion method in ethanol solutions. We use this combination to investigate the suitability of biochar as a filler, and to probe the role of a nonsolvent on the biochar/PSF interaction. Findings from this work are part of a large research aiming to find a plausible solution to one of the most prioritized problems with MMMs; namely, poor polymer/filler interaction.