| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 634387 | Journal of Membrane Science | 2013 | 8 Pages |
MCM-41 is an ordered mesoporous silica that can be prepared in a spherical shape (440 nm diameter), while JDF-L1 is a layered microporous titanosilicate with sheet-like growth habit (about 105 nm thickness) and a pore size of about 0.3 nm. JDF-L1 is a good material for H2 selective transport and MCM-41 spheres may improve permeability for most gases. These fillers have been used to cast mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with copolyimide 6FDA-4MPD/6FDA-DABA as a continuous polymer matrix. JDF-L1 sheets with a preferential horizontal orientation provide H2 selectivity while improving the dispersion of MCM-41 particles in the MMMs. This was evidenced by statistical analysis of 30 cross-section backscattering SEM images in each analyzed membrane. Regarding H2/CH4 separation, MMMs containing 8 and 4 wt% of MCM-41 and JDF-L1, respectively, showed an optimum H2/CH4 selectivity value of 32.0 (with 440 Barrer of H2 permeability). Finally, this study demonstrates that MMM performance can be enhanced by combining highly selective inorganic sheets with highly permeable inorganic spheres.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (257 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Spheres (440 nm diameter) of ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41. ► Sheet-like particles (about 105 nm thickness) of layered microporous titanosilicate JDF-L1. ► Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on copolyimide 6FDA-4MPD/6FDA-DABA as a continuous polymer matrix. ► JDF-L1 is good filler for H2 selective transport, while MCM-41 spheres may improve permeability for most gases. ► MMMs combining both MCM-41 and JDF-L1 fillers enhanced H2/CH4 separation.
