Functionalized organic filler based integrated membranes for environmental remediation.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are synthesized for efficient CO ₂ separation released from various anthropogenic sources, which are due to global environmental concerns. The synergetic effect of porous nitrogen-rich, CO ₂ -philic filler and polymer in mixed matrix-based membranes (MMMs) can separate CO ₂ competent. The development of various loadings of porphyrin poly(N-isopropyl Acryl Amide) (P-NIPAM)as functionalized organic fillers (5-20%) in polysulfone (PSU) through solution casting is carried out followed by the various characterizations including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer(FT-IR) analysis and pure and mixed gas permeations ranging from 2 to 10 bar feed pressure. Due to both organic species interactions in the matrix, well-distributed fillers and homogenous surfaces, and cross-sectional structures were observed due to π-π interactions and Lewis's basic functionalities. The strong affinity of porous nitrogen-rich and CO ₂ -philic fillers through gas permeation analysis showed high CO ₂ /CH ₄ and CO ₂ /N ₂ gas performance that surpassed Robeson's upper bound limit. Comparatively, MMMs showed improved CO ₂ /CH ₄ permeabilities from 87.5 ± 0.5 Barrer to 88.2 ± 0.9 Barrer than pure polymer matrix. For CO ₂ /N ₂ , CO ₂ permeabilities improved to 75 ± 0.8 Barrer than pure polymer matrix. For both gas pairs (CO ₂ /CH ₄ , CO ₂ /N ₂ ), respective pureselectivities (84%; 86%) and binary selectivities (85% and 85%)were improved. Various theoretical gas permeation models were used to predict CO ₂ permeabilities for MMMs from which the modified Maxwell-Wagner-Sillar model showed the least AARE% of 0.87. The results showed promising results for efficient CO ₂ separation due to exceptional functionalized P-PNIPAM affinitive properties. Finally, cost analysis reflected the inflated cost of membranes production for industrial setup using indigenous resources.
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