A novel zeolitic imidazolate framework based mixed-matrix membrane for efficient CO2 separation under wet conditions

• Water stable ZIF-301/PSF MMMs were prepared via solution-casting technique.
• ZIF-301 nanocrystals were well dispersed in PSF with good interfacial adhesion.
• Incorporation of ZIF-301 nanocrystals improved CO2 separation performance.
• CO2 permeation was improved under wet conditions as compared to dry ones.

Polymer-based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by filling glassy polysulfone (PSF) with zeolitic imidazole framework ZIF-301 nanocrystals using solution-casting method. Different loadings of ZIF-301 nanocrystals were incorporated in PSF matrix to assess the separation performance of MMMs to efficiently capture CO2 from post combustion flue gas. Hydrothermally stable flexible MMMs demonstrating consistent distribution and fine adhesion of filler–matrix interface were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Gas sorption analysis along with dry and wet gas permeation tests exhibited that CO2 permeability of MMM containing 40 wt % ZIF-301 was increased by three times as compared to bare PSF without affecting CO2/N2 ideal selectivity.

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