Preparation, structural characterization, and gas separation properties of functionalized zinc oxide particle filled poly(ether-amide) nanocomposite films

Abstract

In this study, a new diacid monomer containing amide, imide, and sulfone functional groups was successfully used to synthesize a new poly(ether-amide) for membrane-based gas separation applications. The synthesized poly(ether-amide) was soluble in organic solvents, has high thermal stability (up to 460 C under nitrogen atmosphere, for 10% weight loss), and high glass transition temperature (T g ¼ 274 C). This poly(ether-amide) was combined with different amounts of surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles to provide organic-inorganic nanocomposites. The optically transparent and flexible membranes of these hybrid nanocomposites were prepared. The obtained materials were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Transmission electron microscopy of the nanocomposite film with 15 wt% zinc oxide confirms that the nanoparticles are well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis data indicated that the hybrid materials had better thermal behavior with increasing surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles nanoparticle content. Downloaded fromThe poly(ether-amide)/surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles nanocomposite film mechanical properties improved with increasing surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles content. The permeability and selectivity of the poly(ether-amide)/ zinc oxide membranes as a function of the surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles weight percentage were studied, and the results indicated that the CO 2 and CH 4 permeability increased with increasing zinc oxide content. In general, the membranes prepared from these polymers showed very good permeability and permselectivity for a pair of gases.

Quaternary Holey Carbon Nanohorns/SnO2/ZnO/PVP Nano-Hybrid as Sensing Element for Resistive-Type Humidity Sensor

“…As a general rule, the free volume of polymer/ inorganic nanohybrid is larger than that of the pure polymer [85]. Therefore, in comparison with CNHox//SnO 2 /ZnO/PVP at 3/1/1/1, CNHox/SnO 2/ ZnO/PVP at 1.5/1/1/1 nanohybrid should possess a higher degree of swelling.…”

Ternary Holey Carbon Nanohorns/TiO2/PVP Nanohybrids as Sensing Films for Resistive Humidity Sensors

“…The CNHox/TiO 2 /PVP nanohybrid has a better response than the CNHox/PVP nanocomposite [28]. Considering PVP is the major contributor in water sorption of nanohybrids, any microstructural change of the polymer may be of paramount importance in the diffusion of water molecules and may finally affect the sensing performance [56,57]. As a rule, the free volume of polymer/inorganic nanohybrids is larger than that of pure polymer [58][59][60].…”