Polysulfone acrylate membranes containing functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 for CO2 separation

Separation of oil vapour by polyether block amide composite membrane modified with porous materials

The ability of membranes to separate oil vapour is affected by their permeance and selectivity. This study modifies polyether block amide (PEBA) composite membranes with a microporous zeolite, Silicalite-1, or a mesoporous zeolite, MCM-41. The results show that when PEBA composite membranes are modified with these zeolites, the selective layer of the composite membrane is coated more thinly, resulting in a higher flux of organic gas. Silicalite-1 increases the hydrophobicity of the membrane, which facilitates the adsorption of organic vapour on the membrane surface, thus improving the membrane selectivity. In the separation of oil vapour, both modified membranes can effectively increase the gas permeabilities and selectivities. The main mechanism governing gas transport in the MCM-41-modified membrane is Knudsen diffusion, so the selectivity for small molecules is improved more significantly. By contrast, the dissolution-diffusion mechanism is dominant in the Silicalite-1-modified membranes, which considerably increases the selectivity for large molecules.

Mixed Dimensional Nanostructure (UiO-66-Decorated MWCNT) as a Nanofiller in Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2 /CH4 Separation

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with combination of two distinct dimensional nanofillers (such as 1D-3D, 2D-3D, or 3D-3D, etc.) have drawn special attention for gas separation applications due to their concerted effects on gas permeation and mechanical properties. An amine-functionalized 1D multiwalled carbon nanotube (NH₂ -MWCNT) with exceptional mechanical strength and rapid gas transport was crosslinked with an amine-functionalized 3D metal-organic framework (UiO-66-NH₂ ) with high CO₂ affinity in a Schiff base reaction. The resultant crosslinked mixed-dimensional nanostructure was used as a nanofiller in a polysulfone (PSf) polymer matrix to explore the underlying synergy between 1D and 3D nanostructures on the gas separation performance of MMMs. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and mapping revealed the homogenous dispersion of UiO-66@MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The MMM containing 5.0 wt. % UiO-66@MWCNT demonstrated a superior permeability 8.3 Barrer as compared to the 4.2 Barrer of pure PSf membrane for CO₂ . Moreover, the selectivity (CO₂ /CH₄ ) of this MMM was enhanced to 39.5 from the 28.0 observed for pure PSf under similar conditions of pressure and temperature.

Recent Advances in Polymer-Inorganic Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation

Since the second industrial revolution, the use of fossil fuels has been powering the advance of human society. However, the surge in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has raised unsettling concerns about global warming and its consequences. Membrane separation technologies have emerged as one of the major carbon reduction approaches because they are less energy-intensive and more environmentally friendly compared to other separation techniques. Compared to pure polymeric membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) that encompass both a polymeric matrix and molecular sieving fillers have received tremendous attention, as they have the potential to combine the advantages of both polymers and molecular sieves, while cancelling out each other's drawbacks. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the development of MMMs for CO2 separation. We will discuss general mechanisms of CO2 separation in an MMM, and then compare the performances of MMMs that are based on zeolite, MOF, metal oxide nanoparticles and nanocarbons, with an emphasis on the materials' preparation methods and their chemistries. As the field is advancing fast, we will particularly focus on examples from the last 5 years, in order to provide the most up-to-date overview in this area.

Enhanced Gas Separation Prowess Using Functionalized Lignin-Free Lignocellulosic Biomass/Polysulfone Composite Membranes

Delignified lignocellulosic biomass was functionalized with amine groups. Then, the pretreated lignin-free date pits cellulose and the amine-functionalized-date pits cellulose (0–5 wt%) were incorporated into a polysulfone polymer matrix to fabricate composite membranes. The amine groups give additional hydrogen bonding to those existing from the hydroxyl groups in the date pits cellulose. The approach gives an efficient avenue to enhance the CO₂ molecules’ transport pathways through the membrane matrix. The interactions between phases were investigated via Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas pure gases (CO₂ and N₂) were used to evaluate the gas separation performances. Additionally, the thermal and mechanical properties of the fabricated composites were tested. The pure polysulfone membrane achieved an optimum separation performance at 4 Bar. The optimum separation performance for the composite membranes is achieved at 2 wt%. About 32% and 33% increments of the ideal CO₂/N₂ selectivity is achieved for the lignin-free date pits cellulose composite membrane and the amine-functionalized-date pits cellulose composite membrane, respectively.

CO2 capture using membrane contactors: a systematic literature review

With fossil fuel being the major source of energy, CO2 emission levels need to be reduced to a minimal amount namely from anthropogenic sources. Energy consumption is expected to rise by 48% in the next 30 years, and global warming is becoming an alarming issue which needs to be addressed on a thorough technical basis. Nonetheless, exploring CO2 capture using membrane contactor technology has shown great potential to be applied and utilised by industry to deal with post- and pre-combustion of CO2. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted to analyse and assess CO2 removal using membrane contactors for capturing techniques in industrial processes. The review began with a total of 2650 papers, which were obtained from three major databases, and then were excluded down to a final number of 525 papers following a defined set of criteria. The results showed that the use of hollow fibre membranes have demonstrated popularity, as well as the use of amine solvents for CO2 removal. This current systematic review in CO2 removal and capture is an important milestone in the synthesis of up to date research with the potential to serve as a benchmark databank for further research in similar areas of work. This study provides the first systematic enquiry in the evidence to research further sustainable methods to capture and separate CO2.

Functionalized KIT-6/Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2/CH4 Gas Separation

The development of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for effective gas separation has been gaining popularity in recent years. The current study aimed at the fabrication of MMMs incorporated with various loadings (0–4 wt%) of functionalized KIT-6 (NH₂KIT-6) [KIT: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology] for enhanced gas permeation and separation performance. NH₂KIT-6 was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis. The fabricated membranes were subjected to FESEM and FTIR analyses. The effect of NH₂KIT-6 loading on the CO₂ permeability and ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of the fabricated membranes were investigated in gas permeation and separation studies. The successfulness of (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalization on KIT-6 was confirmed by FTIR analysis. As observed from FESEM images, MMMs with no voids in the matrix were successfully fabricated at a low NH₂KIT-6 loading of 0 to 2 wt%. The CO₂ permeability and ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity increased when NH₂KIT-6 loading was increased from 0 to 2 wt%. However, a further increase in NH₂KIT-6 loading beyond 2 wt% led to a drop in ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity. In the current study, a significant increase of about 47% in ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity was achieved by incorporating optimum 2 wt% NH₂KIT-6 into the MMMs.

Adsorption of the methyl green dye pollutant from aqueous solution using mesoporous materials MCM-41 in a fixed-bed column

In this study, a Methyl Green (MG) dye pollutant was separated by Mobil Composition Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) in a fixed-bed continuous column with investigated three parameters, namely a bed height (2-6 cm), initial MG concentration (10-30 mgL^-1) and a process flow rate (0.8-1.6 mL min^-1). Results indicated that the highest bed capacity of 20.97 mg/g was obtained with respective to optimal values such as; 6 cm for a column height, 0.8 mL min^-1 for flow rate, and an initial MG concentration 20 mgL^-1. Furthermore, a quantity of the adsorbed pollutant decreased as the flow rate increased, while increasing the initial MG concentration yielded the opposite effect. The column apparatus was performed properly at the low flow rate, whereas both the breakthrough and exhaustion time increased with the bed depth. Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models were applied for predicting the breakthrough curves and calculating the characteristic factors of the laboratory fixed-bed adsorption column, which were beneficial for process design. Based on regression coefficient analyses, results of employing the Yoon-Nelson model was found to be superior to the Thomas one. Breakthrough performance indicated that MCM-41 was suitable for applications in continuous adsorption regimes for MG dye. The mesoporous MCM-41 was recovered effectively by calcinations and employed again for four times in the continuous system successfully.

Evaluation of the Properties, Gas Permeability, and Selectivity of Mixed Matrix Membrane Based on Polysulfone Polymer Matrix Incorporated with KIT-6 Silica

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) separation is a promising technology for gas permeation and separation involving carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, finding a suitable type of filler for the formation of defect-free MMMs with enhancement in gas permeability remains a challenge. Current study focuses on synthesis of KIT-6 silica and followed by the incorporation of KIT-6 silica as filler into polysulfone (PSF) polymer matrix to fabricate MMMs, with filler loadings of 0–8 wt %. The effect of KIT-6 incorporation on the properties of the fabricated MMMs was evaluated via different characterization techniques. The MMMs were investigated for gas permeability and selectivity with pressure difference of 5 bar at 25 °C. KIT-6 with typical rock-like morphology was synthesized. Incorporation of 2 wt % of KIT-6 into PSF matrix produced MMMs with no void. When KIT-6 loadings in the MMMs were increased from 0 to 2 wt %, the CO₂ permeability increased by ~48%, whereas the ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity remained almost constant. However, when the KIT-6 loading in PSF polymer matrix was more than 2 wt %, the formation of voids in the MMMs increased the CO₂ permeability but sacrificed the ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity. In current study, KIT-6 was found to be potential filler for PSF matrix under controlled KIT-6 loading for gas permeation.

Amino-silane-grafted NH2-MIL-53(Al)/polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are promising candidates for carbon dioxide separation.

Performance enhancement of a polydimethylsiloxane membrane for effectiven-butanol pervaporation by bonding multi-silyl-functional MCM-41

The compatibility and total flux of a polydimethylsiloxane membrane were significantly improved by bonding multi-silyl-functional MCM-41.

The coupling of carbon dioxide with ethene to produce acrylic acid sodium salt in one pot by using Ni(II) and Pd(II)-phosphine complexes as precatalysts

The use of CO2 as a feedstock for chemical synthesis is considered as a viable alternative option to some traditional processes. One of the most interesting challenge for the industry is represented by the CO2 coupling with olefins to produce acrylate. Only recently, with the choice of suitable ligands and the use of a sacrificial base, a selective catalytic reaction was established by using Ni(0)-based complexes. The one-pot reaction, which leads to the highest TON (107 mol/mol Ni, in 20 h) reported so far, was successfully developed starting from Ni(0)-based precursors in the presence of disphosphine ligands, a large excess of base and of finely powdered zinc. In the present paper, we carried out the catalytic synthesis of sodium acrylate from CO2 and ethene, in one-pot, by using Ni(II)-chloride and Pd(II)-chloride phosphine-complexes as precatalyst. The reaction occurs under basic conditions and without adding any external reductants. The Ni(II) complexes lead to higher TON than the respective Pd(II) precursors and the best results are obtained by using diphosphines having high bite angles. Such catalysis is favored by aprotic and polar solvents in which a TON of 290 mol/mol Ni is reached by using the [NiCl2(dppp)] precursor in DMSO. Furthermore the TON could be increased by increasing the temperature, the base concentration and by using diphosphine ligands having high bite angle.