Improving CO₂ separation performance by incorporating MWCNTs@mSiO₂ core@shell filler in mixed matrix membranes

Abstract

To improve CO 2 separation performance in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), a novel mesoporous silica‐coated on the outer surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs@mSiO 2 ) core@shell filler was synthesized and dispersed into Pebax MH 1657 (TPE) matrix. The introduced mSiO 2 layer on the outer surface of MWCNTs have a favorable effect on the dispersion and compatibility of MWCNTs@mSiO 2 core@shell filler in TPE matrix. Most importantly, the pore channels of mesoporous silica and MWCNTs constructed the feasible gas transport pathways for CO 2 permeation in MMMs. The MMMs presented the best CO 2 separation performance when the content of MWCNTs@mSiO 2 in TPE matrix was 10 wt%. The CO 2 permeability and CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of TPE‐MWCNTs@mSiO 2 ‐10 membrane were 379 Barrer and 39 for CO 2 /CH 4 mixed‐gas, respectively. The CO 2 permeability and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of TPE‐MWCNTs@mSiO 2 ‐10 membrane were 364 Barrer and 58 for CO 2 /N 2 mixed‐gas, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4486–4495, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers