Alumina-PEBA/PSf Multilayer composite membranes for CO2 separation: Experimental and molecular simulation studies.

In this research, Polyether block amide (PEBA) containing different loadings of α-Al₂O₃ particles was deposited on top of the polysulfone (PSf ) supports to form PEBA 1657‒α-Al₂O₃/PSf multilayer composite mixed matrix membranes (MCMMMs). Multilayer Composite structure was used to overcome the sedimentation of fillers in the polymer matrix. Moreover, alpha phase of the Al₂O₃ particles was applied to improve the distribution of these particles at higher loadings. SEM, XRD, and FTIR tests were applied to study morphology, crystalline structure, and chemical structure of the membranes, respectively. Gas permeation properties of the membranes were also measured using three different pure gases (CO₂, CH₄, and N₂) at the pressure of 7 bar and temperature of 25 ºC. CO₂ permeance and ideal selectivity of CO₂/CH₄, and CO₂/N₂ for the optimum MCMMM with 20 wt% loading of α-Al₂O₃ particles were 25% (117.5 Barrer), 81.5 % (32), and 86.5% (57) higher than that of multilayer composite neat membrane (MCNM), respectively. The molecular simulation results confirmed the results of the experimental studies and approved that the α-Al₂O₃ particles are right candidates for improving the PEBA performance for CO₂ separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]