Perylene based novel mixed matrix membranes with enhanced selective pure and mixed gases (CO2, CH4, and N2) separation.

A combination of organic filler exhibiting CO 2 philic nature with a polymer to develop mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) can capture CO 2 efficiently. This work reports the synthesis of perylene filler and polysulfone (PSf)-based MMMs via solution casting method. The successful incorporation of fillers, uniformity/asymmetric, and amorphous nature of MMMs were investigated by FT-IR, FESEM, and PXRD analysis, respectively. MMMs demonstrated high thermal stability with significant weight retention over 750 °C investigated by TGA analysis. The existence of Lewis's basic functionalities, hydrogen bonding, and π-π bonds between the filler-polymer resulted in the formation of highly CO 2 philic structure. Results revealed that the perylene is found to be highly porous (1050 m²/g) and compatible with the PSf to form additional channels, enhancement of free PSf volume and tendency to prevent the agglomeration and non-selective interfacial voids. It demonstrated improved permeabilities of CO 2 (138%), CH 4 (59%), and N 2 (60%) without any significant variation in selectivities CO 2 /CH 4 (3%) and CO 2 /CH 4 (7%). Similarly, mixed gas permeabilities were improved for (CO 2 –CH 4 – 119%) and (CO 2 –N 2 – 116%) along with enhanced selectivities (CO 2 –CH 4 – 50%) and (CO 2 –N 2 – 46%). Furthermore, the influence of temperature on gas permeabilities revealed improved kinetic energy and flexibility in the polymer chains. The mechanical strength analysis revealed high filler-polymer compatibility. These results revealed great potential of MMMs for efficient CO 2 separation from pre- and post-combustion sources. • Organic perylene filler incorporated PSf MMMs were synthesized and characterized. • Synthesized Membranes demonstrated high mechanical strength. • Pure and binary gas permeation behavior for CO 2 /CH 4 and CO 2 /N 2 was investigated. • Temperature influence on permeabilities revealed improved kinetic energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]