CO2 separation performance of poly(ether-b-amide6)/PTMEG blended membranes: Permeation and sorption properties

• Separation performance of Pebax was improved by incorporating of PTMEG.
• The presence of PTMEG enhanced permeability of CO2, H2, N2 and CH4.
• Selectivity of CO2/H2 increased through the blended membranes.
• CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 permselectivities decreased in the presence of PTMEG.

Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMEG) is used to fabricate Pebax1657/PTMEG blended membranes for CO2 separation from H2, N2 and CH4. Permeation of the pure gases was measured at different operating temperatures from 25 to 55 °C and pressures from 4 to 16 bar. The solubility and diffusion coefficients of the tested gases were also measured at 4 bar. Permeation results showed an increment in the tested gases along with enhancement in CO2/H2 permselectivity. However, CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 permselectivity did not improve. The membranes were characterized by SEM, DSC, FTIR and tensile analysis and considerable changes in morphological, thermal and structural properties of the membranes were observed.