Role of adsorption and diffusion pathways on the CO2/N2 separation performance of nanocomposite (B)-MFI-alumina membranes

This work reports a detailed study of CO2 and N2 adsorption and diffusion pathways on MFI-alumina hollow fibres and their role on both pure and mixture CO2/N2 permeation. The hollow fibres have been prepared by pore-plugging hydrothermal synthesis starting from a clear solution with molar composition 1 SiO2: 0.45 TPAOH: 27·8H2O: xB(OH)3 (x=0–0.02), showing a final nanocomposite architecture. A comprehensive screening has been performed to select the most suitable model for describing CO2 and N2 adsorption and pure permeation in the (B)-MFI-alumina hollow fibres. The classical Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory (IAST) has been implemented to different permeation models to account for binary CO2/N2 permeation within the fibres.

► We have prepared (B)-MFI-alumina hollow fibres with nanocomposite architecture. ► We have screened different models for describing CO2 and N2 adsorption and pure permeation on the fibres. ► The classical IAST formalism has been implemented to different permeation models to account for binary CO2/N2 permeation.