In this work, we explore the use of ring-opening metathesis
polymerization
(ROMP) facilitated by a second-generation Grubbs catalyst (G2) for
the development of advanced polymer membranes aimed at CO2 separation. By employing a novel copolymer blend incorporating 4,4′-oxidianiline
(ODA), 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA), 1-adamantylamine (AA), and 3,6,9-trioxaundecylamine
(TA), along with a CO2-selective poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(propylene
glycol) copolymer (Jeffamine2003) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
units, we have synthesized membranes under ambient conditions with
exceptional CO2 separation capabilities. The strategic
inclusion of PDMS, up to a 20% composition within the PEG/PPG matrix,
has resulted in copolymer membranes that not only surpass the 2008
upper limit for CO2/N2 separation but also meet
the commercial targets for CO2/H2 separation.
Comprehensive analysis reveals that these membranes adhere to the
mixing rule and exhibit percolation behavior across the entire range
of compositions (0–100%), maintaining robust antiplasticization
performance even under pressures up to 20 atm. Our findings underscore
the potential of ROMP in creating precisely engineered membranes for
efficient CO2 separation, paving the way for their application
in large-scale environmental and industrial processes.