Influence of functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and CO2/CH4 separation efficiency of Pebax-based mixed-matrix membranes.

Silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles were first functionalized using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and then utilized as filler for the preparation of poly (ether-block-amide) (Pebax®-1074) based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). To characterize the modified nanoparticles and the prepared membranes, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted. The influences of the pure and amine-modified nanoparticles content, and feed temperature and pressure on CO₂ and CH₄ permeability and ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity values of the membranes were studied. The permeation experiments exhibited that the incorporation of 12.5 wt% of amine-functionalized SiO₂ nanoparticles into the Pebax matrix raises the CO₂ permeability and ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity about 100 and 32%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]