Due to their interfacial defects between inorganic fillers and polymer matrices, research into mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) is challenging. In the application of CO2 separation, these defects can potentially jeopardize the performance of membranes. In this study, aminosilane functionalization is employed to improve the nano-sized zeolite Y (ZeY) particle dispersion and adhesion in polyether block amide (Pebax). The performance of CO2/CH4 separation of Pebax mixed matrix composite hollow fiber membranes, incorporated with ZeY and aminosilane-modified zeolite Y (Mo-ZeY), is investigated. The addition of the zeolite filler at a small loading at 5 wt.% has a positive impact on both gas permeability and separation factor. Due to the CO2-facilitated transport effect, the performance of MMMs is further improved by the amino-functional groups modified on the ZeY. When 5 wt.% of Mo-ZeY is incorporated, the gas permeability and CO2/CH4 separation factor of the Pebax membrane are enhanced by over 100% and 35%, respectively.
Keywords: CO2/CH4 separation; Pebax; aminosilane treatment; hollow fiber membrane; mixed matrix composite; zeolite Y.