Novel Mixed Matrix Membrane Using Metal Organic Framework and Graphene Oxide for CO2 separation

The reduction in CO₂ emissions is very important to mitigate the problem of global warming and climate change. Membrane technology for CO₂ separation has shown positive results. Solution diffusion and facilitated transport mechanism are the most important in membrane gas separation. Among the different types of membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMM’s) have shown great potential because they are expected to combine the selectivity of ceramic membranes with the low cost and ease of manufacture of polymer membranes. Moreover, the performance of the membranes is governed by two characteristics, permeability; that is the flux of a specific gas through the membrane, and selectivity; the membrane’s preference to pass one gas species over the other.

The overreaching goal of this study is to develop and explore approaches to enhance the performance of Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM) by properly modifying the Metal Organic Frame work (MOF). In this work a octahedral metal-organic framework UIO-66 with surface area 1680 m²g^–1 is synthesized and polyetherimide (PEI) has chosen as a matrix .The asymmetric flat sheet of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) has been fabricated via a dry/wet phase inversion technique and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) and pure gas permeation testing. In addition, graphene oxide has synthesized from graphite powder and have been used as a filler of mixed matrix membrane to improve the mechanical properties and enhance the sustainable CO₂ capture properties.