Ultem®/ZIF-8 mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes for CO2/N2 separations

Organic–inorganic hybrid (mixed matrix) membranes can potentially extend the separation performance of traditional polymeric materials while maintaining processing convenience. Although many dense films studies have been reported, there have been few reported cases of these materials being successfully extended to asymmetric hollow fibers. In this work we report the first successful production of mixed matrix asymmetric hollow fiber membranes containing metal-organic-framework (MOF) ZIF-8 fillers. Specifically, we have incorporated ZIF-8 into a polyetherimide (Ultem® 1000) matrix and produced dual-layer asymmetric hollow fiber membranes via the dry jet-wet quench method. The outer separating layer of these composite fibers contains 13 wt% (17 vol%) of ZIF-8 filler. These membranes have been tested over a range of temperatures and pressures for a variety of gas pairs. An increase in separation performance for the CO2/N2 gas pairs was observed for both pure gas and mixed gas feeds.

► Formation of mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes containing metal organic framework (MOF) fillers.
► Incorporation of a MOF sub-class, zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) fillers, into polymer matrices.
► Improved separation performance compared to pure polymer membranes for CO2/N2 separations.
► Platform development for future polymer/MOF mixed matrix membranes.