A novel class of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) is developed for gas separations by compatibilizing high performance immiscible polymer blends with metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Immiscible polymer blend-based membranes were fabricated using 6FDA-based co-polyimides and polybenzimidazole (PBI) with and without MOFs. The microstructure of the membranes was investigated by SEM, AFM, and TEM. Co-polyimide:PBI (50:50) blends showed a matrix-droplet type, phase separated morphology containing non-uniform domain sizes of the dispersed phase. Upon incorporating a 5 wt% MOF loading, the domain size of the dispersed phase became smaller and more uniform. As the MOF loading was increased, this domain size decreased even further suggesting an enhanced compatibility between the polymers. This effect can be attributed to the lowering of the interfacial energy due to the selective localization of the MOF particles. Considering the superior gas separation properties, gas adsorption properties, and unique pore apertures of MOFs, this work may open up opportunities to produce a new class of materials for membrane-based separations.

Stabilization of immiscible polymer blends using structure directing metal organic frameworks (MOFs)

247th National Meeting (2014)

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