A Prospective Concept on the Fabrication of Blend PES/PEG/DMF/NMP Mixed Matrix Membranes with Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes for CO2/N2 Separation

Abstract

With an ever-increasing global population, the combustion of fossil fuels has risen immensely to meet the demand for electricity, resulting in significant increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In recent years, CO2 separation technology, such as membrane technology, has become highly desirable. Fabricated mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have the most desirable gas separation performances, as these membranes have the ability to overcome the trade-off limitations. In this paper, blended MMMs are reviewed along with two polymers, namely polyether sulfone (PES) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Both polymers can efficiently separate CO2 because of their chemical properties. In addition, blended N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylformamide (DMF) solvents were also reviewed to understand the impact of blended MMMs’ morphology on separation of CO2. However, the fabricated MMMs had challenges, such as filler agglomeration and void formation. To combat this, functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs-F) fillers were utilised to aid gas separation performance and polymer compatibility issues. Additionally, a summary of the different fabrication techniques was identified to further optimise the fabrication methodology. Thus, a blended MMM fabricated using PES, PEG, NMP, DMF and MWCNTs-F is believed to improve CO2/nitrogen separation.

Statistical analysis of CO2/N2 gas separation permeance and selectivity using taguchi method

“…Distillation, adsorption, absorption, cryogenics, and membranes are all examples of separation methods [ 4 , 5 ]. Membranes in gas processing have many benefits, such as working mobility, a small design for the process, a high ratio of surface area to volume, and the safety of the environment [ 6 , 7 ]. These membranes play a crucial role in various applications such as enhancing oxygen and nitrogen separation, the removal of organic contaminants from industrial waste streams and the capture of CO 2 from combustion gases and natural gas are examples.…”

A study of the effects of mixtures of solvents on CO2/N2 gas separation in polysulfone flat sheet membranes

“…Some of these ways are adsorption, absorption, cryogenic, and membrane separation [2]. Today, reduced capital costs, clean energy, and easy processing have established membrane technology as a cost-effective membrane separation process [3]. Membrane-based gas separation uses differential permeability to separate components from mixtures [4].…”