Effect of chitosan as a functionalization agent on the performance and separation properties of polyimide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes mixed matrix flat sheet membranes

▶ Raw MWCNTs were generally closed ended and after functionalization, open ended chitosan-wrapped MWCNTs were obtained. ▶ Chitosan-functionalized MWCNTs increased the CO2 and CH4 permeabilities of the mixed matrix flat sheet membranes. ▶ A very good dispersion and adhesion of the chitosan-functionalized MWCNTs in the polyimide matrix were observed.