Matrimid–polyaniline/clay mixed‐matrix membranes with plasticization resistance for separation of CO2 from natural gas |
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Authors: | Akbar Samadi Gh. Amir H. Navarchian |
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Affiliation: | Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran |
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Abstract: | Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) of Matrimid® and polyaniline/clay (PC) are investigated for CO2/CH4 separation and CO2‐induced plasticization. PC particles are synthesized through in‐situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of organophilic clay and then incorporated into Matrimid by solution casting method. Chemical structure and morphology of PC powder and fabricated membranes are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD spectra of PC particles show the exfoliation of silicate layers throughout the polyaniline (PAni) matrix, and SEM images indicate flower‐petal morphology for PC particles. The permeability values of CO2 and CH4 increase 30–35% by incorporation of 10 wt% PC without any significant drop in selectivity. PC particles with flower‐petal morphology plays an important role in increasing the gas permeability values of both gases while Matrimid is the only phase that controls CO2/CH4 selectivity. The plasticization pressure was increased to 30 bar by incorporation of 10 wt% PC in the Matrimid matrix. CO2 permeability and pplast improved 35% and 200%, respectively, resulting in 300% enhancement in the capacity of MMM in the purification of natural gas with a selectivity of about 40. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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Keywords: | gas separation mixed‐matrix membrane plasticization Matrimid polyaniline/clay |
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