A polyvinyl alcohol-based mixed matrix membrane with uniformly distributed Schiff base network-1 for ethanol dehydration

摘要

In this study, Schiff base network (SNW)-1 nanoparticles with high hydrophilicity and large specific surface area were used to prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), which were evaluated for ethanol dehydration. Because of the low difference of density between SNW-1 and PVA, the as-prepared nanoparticles can be uniformly distributed into the PVA active layer. The effects of SNW-1 loading, feed temperature, and water concentration on pervaporation (PV) performance were further studied. The results showed the MMM with 10 wt% of SNW-1 loading exhibited a separation factor of 1,501 and a permeation flux of 187 g m(-2) h(-1) for feeding 95 wt% ethanol/water binary solution at 75 degrees C. Overall, the SNW-1/PVA MMMs showed great prospect in ethanol dehydration via PV.