RESUMEN
In the dynamic landscape of industrial processes, membrane technology offers a paradigm shift beyond energy-intensive separation techniques, exemplifying a progressive leap toward sustainability. In this regard, highly flexible and uniform poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-engineered membranes at a reduced thickness have been fabricated on track-etched poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates. The membranes were functionalized and embedded with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) having a higher affinity toward H2 gas. The materials and fabricated membranes were characterized by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques for morphological and structural analysis. FTIR and Raman characterizations were performed to study the characteristic bonds. The uniformity and quantification of Pt nanoparticle binding were tested through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) studies and FESEM with EDS mapping. The gas separation performance was studied using H2, N2, and CO2 gases in pure and mixed (H2/CO2 in 50:50) states. It was observed that the modified membrane showed a 116% increment in H2 permeability and 82 and 107% increment in H2/CO2 and H2/N2 selectivity values with pure gas, while a 121% increment in H2 permeability and 156% increment in H2/CO2 selectivity using mixed gas. The separation performance in pure and mixed gas states with repeated experiments conspicuously highlighted their prospective viability as prime contenders for gas separation applications.
RESUMEN
Through this work, we are reporting high-performance ZIF-8 @polycarbonate nanocomposite membranes with satisfactory structural stability for improving the gas separation performance. ZIF-8 nanoparticles were synthesised using the wet chemical route with cubic morphology and controlled size using CTAB as a surfactant. The membranes were prepared using the solution casting method by adding ZIF-8 filler at various concentrations. The synthesised filler material and MMMs were characterised through X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and RAMAN spectroscopy techniques. The gas separation measurements were taken using H2, CO2, and N2 gas in the purest form. The SEM results confirm the formation of spherulite-like morphology with the addition of ZIF-8 due to the crystallisation of the polymer, which increased the membrane's free volume and opened up additional pathways for the transportation of the gas molecules. The gas separation results confirmed that the 15 wt% ZIF-8/PC nanocomposite membrane showed the maximum H2 permeability of 180,970 barrer with an increment of 316.03%, while H2/CO2 and H2/N2 selectivity showed the increments of 89.43% and 103.64%, respectively. Therefore, this PC/ZIF-8 system seems to be a promising approach to developing new H2 selective membranes with high gas permeability and gas selectivity values.
