Structure-controlled mesoporous SBA-15-derived mixed matrix membranes for H2 purification and CO2 capture

The composite mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by incorporating mesopore SBA-15 as a filler to discuss the effects of its particle shape, particle size, and loadings on the organic-inorganic interfacial morphology. The SBA-15 was synthesized by template method and it's particle shape and size was adjusted by adding electrolyte. The results indicated that the spherical SBA-15 can improve the dispersion and have better adhesion with organic phase, which showed better permselectivity than the rod-like one. The SBA-15 filler also could increase the diffusion selectivity of MMMs by the addition of different particle sizes. The permeabilities of H2 and CO2 were 1207.9 and 552.86 Barrer, respectively, with selectivities of H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 reached 247.0 and 112.8, respectively, when 1.6 μm spherical SBA-15 was added at 3 wt. %. The dissimilarity occurring in the perm-selectivity values with changes made in the particle shape and size are much more pronounced at the lower SBA-15 loading, which exceeded the 2008 Robeson's upper bound limited.