Abstract
CO(2) separation from N(2) and CH(4) is increasingly important due to environmental and industrial concerns. Membrane-based separation using polymeric materials offers advantages such as energy efficiency, easy processing, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on CO(2)-philic Pebax 2533 were fabricated and modified in two steps to enhance CO(2) separation performance. In the first step, Sorbitol was incorporated at various loadings (5-20 wt%), with 15 wt% found to be optimal, achieving CO(2) permeability of 394.5 Barrer and selectivities of 13.11 (CO(2)/CH(4)) and 48.70 (CO(2)/N(2)) at 30 °C and 2 bar. Sorbitol enhanced membrane crystallinity and thermal stability, as confirmed by FTIR, DSC, and TGA. In the second step, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were introduced (up to 5 wt%) into the Pebax/Sorbitol matrix to exploit facilitated CO(2) transport mechnisem. FESEM showed changes in morphology and increased chain rigidity. The optimized membrane (P/S-15/Ag-5) exhibited a 19.5% increase in CO(2) permeability compared to P/S-15, while maintaining the selectivities. The combined effect of Sorbitol and AgNPs led to improved thermal and separation properties, making the developed MMMs promising candidates for efficient CO(2) separation applications.