DOE OSTI · 1803499
Carbon nanotube-based mixed-matrix membranes with supramolecularly engineered interface for enhanced gas separation performance
Abstract
Here in this study, novel nanocomposite membranes were fabricated from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and a triptycene-containing polyimide. The desirable interfacial morphology and homogenous dispersion of SWNTs were achieved by strong π-π stacking and supramolecular shape-fitting interactions between the nanotube and the paddlewheel-shaped triptycene moieties in polymer matrix. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) containing 2–15 wt% of as-purchased SWNTs (AP-SWNTs) were prepared and tested for their gas transport properties. While all MMMs showed greatly enhanced permeabilities with well-maintained selectivities, a non-linear dependence of permeability on filler content was observed. Another series of MMMs with purified SWNTs (P-SWNTs) and acid-treated SWNT (A-SWNTs) were also prepared. The functionalized A-SWNT MMM exhibited the best separation performance at 2 wt% filler content among all MMMs, which can be attributed to the improved interfacial affinity with carboxylic acid functionalized surface of A-SWNTs.
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Zhang, Qinnan, Li, Si, Wang, Ceming, Chang, Hsueh-Chia, Guo, Ruilan. 2019-12-28. Carbon nanotube-based mixed-matrix membranes with supramolecularly engineered interface for enhanced gas separation performance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117794
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