High-Loading Poly(ethylene glycol)-Blended Poly(acrylic acid) Membranes for CO₂ Separation

Abstract

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is an amorphous material of interest owing to its high CO 2 affinity and potential usage in CO 2 separation applications. However, amorphous PEG often has a low molecular weight, making it challenging to form into the membrane. The crystalline high average molar mass poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) cannot exhibit CO 2 separation characteristics. Thus, it is crucial to employ low molecular weight PEG in high molecular weight polymers to increase the CO 2 affinity for CO 2 separation membranes. In this work, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/PEG blend membranes with a PEGrich phase were simply fabricated by physical mixing with an ethanol solvent. The carbonyl group of the PAA and the hydroxyl group of the PEG formed a hydrogen bond. Furthermore, the thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and surface hydrophilicity of PAA/PEG blend membranes with various PEG concentrations were further characterized. The PAA/PEG(1:9) blend membrane exhibited an improved CO 2 permeability of 51 Barrer with high selectivities relative to the other gas species (H 2 , N 2 , and CH 4 ; CO 2 /H 2 = 6, CO 2 /N 2 = 63, CO 2 /CH 4 = 21) at 35 °C and 150 psi owing to the enhanced CO 2 affinity with the amorphous PEG-rich phase. These PAA/PEG blend membrane permeation characteristics indicate a promising prospect for CO 2 capture applications.

Polymer-Based Hydrogels Applied in Drug Delivery: An Overview

“…Chemical composition: The chemical composition of the hydrogel can also affect its mechanical properties [11,190,191]. For example, hydrogels made from poly(acrylic acid) are generally brittle and have poor mechanical strength [232] while hydrogels made from poly(ethylene glycol) are more elastic and flexible [205]. Additionally, the presence of functional groups, such as double bonds, can also enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels [23,231].…”

“…The hydrogel is designed to provide a moist environment for wound healing and can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. It is a widely used product for wound care and is known for its effectiveness in promoting wound healing [232].…”

Dialdehyde polyethylene glycol cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes with enhanced CO2/N2 separation performance

“…42 Because of its low molecular weight and weak mechanical stability, PEG has been previously employed as a copolymerized segment, liquid filler, or blending component in combination with other polymers to form membranes for CO 2 separation in previous studies. [43][44][45] But the introduction of PEG alone would destroy the mechanical properties of the membrane. Therefore, we incline to simultaneously introduce cross-linking and ethylene glycol groups through cross-linking PVA membranes with a PEG containing cross-linker, ALD-PEG-ALD, for the first time.…”