Dr. Song Chunfeng from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering made important research progress in the field of CO₂ capture and published a paper on the International Journal of Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology under the title of "PEBAX / mwcnts-nh2 mixed matrix memories for enhanced CO₂/N₂ separation", as the cover article.

At present, Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) play a promising role in gas separation. However, the trade-off between permeability and selectivity is still a challenge for its commercial application. Rational design of the inorganic filler, compatibility of filler with the polymer and dispersion of filler into the polymer have a significant influence on the morphology and separation performance of a membrane.

In this study, in order to produce defect-free flat sheet mixed matrix membranes, two different solvents (N-methyl, 2-pyrrolidone and ethanol/water) were investigated to maximize the dispersion of filler (Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs) in Pebax. The prepared membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. CO₂/N₂ permeation tests were undertaken to investigate the solvent effect on membrane permeation properties. The result showed that membranes fabricated with higher molar volume solvent were more efficient for CO₂ separation. Considering the trade-off between different parameters (molar volume of solvent, fraction-free volume, crystallinity of membranes),thepermeability and CO₂/N₂ selectivity of Pebax/MWCNTs MMMs was optimized to 405 Barrer and 51, respectively.

By Run Li from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering

Editor: Eva Yin

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