SPEEK and functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 mixed matrix membranes for CO2 separations

Abstract

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of sulfonated aromatic poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and –SO₃ functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 were prepared by the solution casting method. A SPEEK polymer with a fixed degree of sulfonation was used for membrane synthesis. CO₂ permeation data and SEM images of the synthesized MMMs suggest that the functionalized fillers adhered well to the polymer matrix. Gas permeation tests indicated that the addition of functionalized MCM-41 to the polymer matrix increased both the gas permeability and selectivity. The highest selectivities obtained here for CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ were 40.46 and 22.86 (at a CO₂ permeability of 21.04 Barrer), respectively. In order to initiate the evaluation of the practical commercial viability of these membranes, they were tested under different operating pressures and temperatures.