Synthesis of a new nanocomposite membrane (PEBAX-1074/PEG-400/TiO2) in order to separate CO2 from CH4

In the present work, effects of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and TiO2 nanoparticles incorporation with poly (ether-block-amide) (PEBAX-1074) on CO2 and CH4 permeability values and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity through the synthesized membranes were investigated. In order to synthesize the polymeric nanocomposite membranes (PNMs), PEG-400 was blended with PEBAX-1074 and TiO2 nanofillers were incorporated into the polymer blend with various weight fractions. To study cross-sectional morphology, crystalline structure and mechanical properties of the synthesized membranes scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and tensile analysis were utilized, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), was also carried out to identify formation of the chemical bonds. Permeation of pure gases, CO2 and CH4, through the prepared neat PEBAX, the blended PEBAX/PEG and the PEBAX/PEG/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes was studied at pressure of 2-10 bar and temperature of 25 °C. The obtained results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite membranes exhibit better separation performance compared to the neat and the blended membranes.