(315b) Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation

One of the most attractive technologies for CO₂/CH₄ separation is membrane separation due to its low capital cost and low energy consumption. However, the significant limitation of this technology involving CO₂ separation is plasticization. The plasticization in a glassy polymer membrane can occur by CO₂ acting as a plasticizer. The polymer matrix swells upon sorption of CO₂, accelerating the permeation of CH₄. As a result, the polymer membrane loses its selectivity. Mixed matrix membranes have been developed to minimize the plasticizing effect and enhance the gas permeability and selectivity. In this study, mixed matrix membranes were prepared by introducing the zeolites into cellulose acetate. Zeolite-X, zeolite-Y and silicalite were used to investigate the plasticization phenomenon. The membrane performances for CO₂/CH₄ separation were carried out by using pure gas measurement at room temperature. Preliminary results obtained from the study are very promising. Detailed information on membrane preparation, gas permeation and selectivity will be discussed at the meeting.