The application of MOF-based fillers in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) has driven new research and development related to gas separation technologies. This study aims to report promising novel membrane in hydrogen separation. Solvothermal synthesized of Metal-Organic Frameworks type of MIL-53(Al) was used as filler in polyethersulfone (PES) with various filler additions of 10, 20, and 30% (w/w). Based on SEM analysis, MIL-53(Al) particles with irregular morphology were well distributed in the polymer matrix without any further chemical interactions according to the IR analysis. The gas separation performance was observed using a single gas feed of H2, CO2, CH4, and a gas mixture of H2/CH4 with an applied pressure of 2 bar at 30 °C. Permeation measurements showed that the higher addition of MIL-53(Al) increased the permeability of pure H2, CO2, and CH4 gases compared to net PES membranes. Surprisingly, the 30% MIL-53(Al)@PES membrane achieved an outstanding permeation capability and successfully surpassed the Robeson upper bound curve (Figure 1). According to the single gas test, the best selectivity for H2/CO2 and H2/CH4 of 3.28 was obtained at the additions of 20% MIL-53(Al) (w/w), which is 54.72% higher than the selectivity of net PES membrane. Meanwhile, in the H2/CH4 mixed gas test, the same membrane composition resulted in the selectivity of 1.82, resemble the pure PES membrane.

Flat-designed mixed Matrix membranes PES/MIL-53(Al) for highly selective separation of H2/CO2 and H2/CH4 gases

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.