One-Pot Method for Evenly Dispersed Nanoparticles in Polymeric Composite Gas Separation Membranes

Impermeable nanoparticles have been previously investigated^1-9 as a means to enhance the gas separation abilities of polymer membranes; however, problems persist with achieving uniform distributions of particles within the membranes.  This work aims to evenly disperse nanoparticles by synthesizing and solution-casting with the polymer matrix in the same solution (“one pot”), rather than allowing nanoparticles to dry and potentially agglomerate before incorporation into the membrane. We compare the dispersion (by SEM) and permeation properties of PDMS/SiOx nanocomposites produced via the one-pot method with those produced via the traditional method The one-pot process resulted in particles that were evenly dispersed within the membrane, but permeability and selectivity values either decreased or were within error when compared to the pure PDMS.  Furthermore, in comparison to traditionally formed nanocomposites, we observed lower ideal selectivity with a relative increase in permeability in one-pot membranes.