Separation of acid–water mixtures by pervaporation using nanoparticle filled mixed matrix copolymer membranes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low energy and less expensive membrane based separation of acetic acid-water mixtures would be a better alternative to conventional separation processes. However, suitable acid resistant membranes are still lacking. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop mixed matrix membrane (MMM) which would allow high flux and water selectivity over a wide range of feed concentrations of acid in water.

Sorption and permeation of acetic acid–water mixtures by pervaporation using copolymer membrane

“…2 are shown in Table 2. These values are in close agreement with those reported for similar systems [13, 28]. The greater the values of interaction parameter between two components, the lower will be their mutual interaction.…”

“…Thus, in recent times an energy saving membrane based process like pervaporation is being tried for separating acetic acid–water mixtures. Hydrophilic membranes based on different polymers like crosslinked polyvinyl alcohols [2–5], unfilled and filled sodium alginates [6–8], interpenetrating network (IPN) polymers [9], polyphenyl sulfone [10], blend of two or more polymers [11], copolymers [12, 13], and so on, were reported for pervaporative dehydration of acetic acid. The performance of a filled or crosslinked membrane depends on type and amount of filler or a crosslinker [14].…”

“…Thus, in recent years copolymer membranes were extensively used in various membrane processes like fuel cell [15], ultrafiltration [16], gas separation [17], and pervaporation [12, 13, 18]. In copolymer membrane, properties of two different polymers are combined in one copolymer.…”

Separation of ethanol from water by pervaporation using mixed matrix copolymer membranes

“…Mixed matrix membranes (MMM) prepared by incorporating adsorptive filler in the matrix of a polymer are reported to give high flux and selectivity [23]. In this case the filler not only contribute to increased flux and selectivity but it also improves the mechanical stability of the membranes.…”

“…For an ideal MMM, there should be a uniform distribution of the adsorptive filler in the polymer matrix which is often difficult by simple mechanical stirring of the polymer solution containing the filler. For nano filler mixing is more difficult because of its agglomeration even at low concentration [23].…”