Composite Hollow Fiber Membrane Using PVC-g-Poem/PEI for SO2 Separation

Poly (vinyl Chloride)-g-poly (oxyethylene methacrylate) and Polyetherimide (PVC-g-POEM/PEI) composite hollow fiber membranes were prepared using asymmetric PEI hollow fiber membranes as the substrate where a thin layer of PVC-g-POEM was deposited. The amphiphilic PVC-g-POEM graft copolymer membranes that are comprising poly (vinyl Chloride) main chain and poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) side chains were synthesized via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method [1].

SO₂ is the most pervasive air pollutant and the emission of SO₂ is a major environmental concern because of its hazardous effects [2]. The developed PEI/PVC-g-POEM composite membranes were applied for separation of mixture gases (SO₂, CO₂, N₂).

Single gas selectivities of SO₂/CO₂, SO₂/N₂ were increased with feed pressure at 30°C. For example, SO₂/CO₂ selectivity and SO₂ permeance were increased from 75 to 227 and 899 GPU to 2,706 GPU, respectively at the feed pressure of 0.9 kg_f/cm² to 2.5 kg_f/cm².

Reference: 

[1] Sung Hoon Ahn, Jin Ah Seo, Jong Hak Kim, Young Deok Ko, Seong Uk Hong, “Synthesis and gas permeation properties of amphiphilic graft copolymer membranes”, J. Membr. Sci., 345, 128-133(2009).

[2] Hyun Hee Park, Bal Raj Deshwal, Se Young Mo, In Won Kim and Hyung Keun Lee, "Absorption of SO₂ from flue gas using PVDF hollow fiber membranes in multi stage gas-liquid contactors", J. Membr. Sci., 319, 29-37(2008).