Separation of carbon dioxide from flue gas by mixed matrix membranes using dual phase microporous polymeric constituents

Abstract

This study presents the fabrication of a new mixed matrix membrane using two microporous polymers: a polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 and a benzimidazole linked polymer, BILP-101, and their CO₂ separation properties from post-combustion flue gas. 17, 30 and 40 wt% loadings of BILP-101 into PIM-1 were tested, resulting in mechanically stable films showing very good interfacial interaction due to the inherent H-bonding capability of the constituent materials. Gas transport studies showed that BILP-101/PIM-1 membranes exhibit high CO₂ permeability (7200 Barrer) and selectivity over N₂ (15). The selected hybrid membrane was further tested for CO₂ separation using actual flue gas from a coal-fired power plant.