Mixed matrix membranes incorporated with cubic-MOF-5 for improved polyetherimide gas separation membranes: Theory and experiment

摘要

Cubic metal-organic framework 5 (C-MOF-5) nanocrystals with a high surface area (2387 m~2/g) were successfully synthesized. The structure of C-MOF-5 nanocrystals was characterized by XRD, FTIR, particle size analysis, and N2 adsorption techniques. Novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing C-MOF-5 inside an polyetherimide (PE1) matrix were prepared using solution casting method and characterized by SEM, FTIR, and single gas permeation analyses. The SEM images of the MMM cross-sections revealed that C-MOF-5 particles have changed the morphology of polymer matrix. In addition, it has attained the proper distribution of filler as well as good compatibility between the filler and the polymer. The results showed that the C-MOF-5 nanocrystals facilitated the gas transport along the membranes and for all gases (H2, CO2, CH4, and N2), permeabilities, diffusivities, and solubilities of the MMMs were increased with increasing the loading of C-MOF-5 nanocrystals at ambient temperature and pressure of 6 bar.