ZSM-5/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Mixed Matrix Membranes for Pervaporation of Binary and Ternary Mixtures of n-Butanol, Ethanol, and Water

Abstract

In this work, the performance of a ZSM-5/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) mixed matrix membrane (MMM) is presented for pervaporation (PV) of n-butanol and ethanol from dilute aqueous solutions as a cheap and easy to fabricate replacement for the benchmark polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes. When compared to other PDMS alternatives, such as HTPB–PU, HBPE, or PEBA, the developed ZSM-5/TPU MMM has superior separation performance in many cases. ZSM-5 loadings were varied from 0 to 30 wt % in an effort to enhance the overall selectivity and permeability of the MMMs. Binary systems of n-butanol–water and ethanol–water were tested along with a ternary system of n-butanol–ethanol–water. Experimental results indicated that the 20 wt % ZSM-5/TPU MMM displayed the best selectivity and separation factor. By varying the operating conditions, it was also discovered that n-butanol’s flux is more sensitive to temperature changes when compared to water. Further analysis revealed that n-butanol permeability was dissolution-dominated, while water permeability was diffusion-dominated. PV of n-butanol–water had a maximum selectivity and separation factor of 2.24 and 12.77, respectively. For the ethanol–water mixture, a maximum selectivity and separation factor of 0.20 and 2.27 were obtained, respectively. PV of the ternary mixture yielded maximum selectivities of 1.97 and 0.23 for n-butanol and ethanol, respectively, with the corresponding separation factors of 11.53 and 2.55. This study provides valuable evidence for further research into TPU MMMs as an easy-to-fabricate, robust, and economical competitor for PV due to their superior separation performance when compared to other alternatives.

Matrix‐phase material selection for shape memory polymer composites: A comparative analysis of multi‐criteria decision‐making

“…Rosenthal et al reported that TPU‐based membranes have superior separation performance of liquid mixtures compared with other polymer. It is also considered to have low cost of production and ease of fabrication 81 . Salaman et al investigated the importance of TPU as a suitable matrix material in halloysite‐reinforced composites.…”

“…It is also considered to have low cost of production and ease of fabrication. 81 Salaman et al investigated the importance of TPU as a suitable matrix material in halloysite-reinforced composites. Its availability and excellent properties enhance the importance of its applications.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of PVA Mixed Matrix Membrane Containing NaP Zeolite/Charcoal-Based Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid for Dehydration of Isopropanol by Pervaporation

“…These applications encompass the dehydration of organic solutions such as ethanol, 11 isopropanol, 12−14 acetonitrile, 15 and acetic acid 16 facilitating the attainment of enhanced purity levels. 17,18 Polymeric membranes offer distinct advantages over inorganic membranes, characterized by lower cost, expedited and simplified fabrication, and a wider array of parameters that enable effective regulation of membrane properties. 19−21 In the realm of pervaporation (PV) for dehydration applications, numerous hydrophilic polymers have been introduced as membrane materials, including polyamides, 22 polybenzimidazole (PBI), 23 sodium alginate, 24 polyacrylonitrile (PAN), 25 chitosan, 26 and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).…”

“…In recent times, PV has assumed an increasingly prominent role in industry applications, particularly for the separation of organic–aqueous mixtures. These applications encompass the dehydration of organic solutions such as ethanol, isopropanol, − acetonitrile, and acetic acid facilitating the attainment of enhanced purity levels. , …”