Mixed matrix membranes comprising of Matrimid and –SO3H functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 for gas separation

Abstract Ordered mesoporous silica spheres (MCM-41) were used as fillers in polyimide (Matrimid) based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). The filler particles were functionalized with sulfonic acid (–SO 3 H) groups to increase the separation performance of the membranes by increasing the CO 2 solubility. The fast diffusion of gases through the mesoporous materials, accompanied by this increased interaction with CO 2 , resulted in the simultaneous increase of gas permeability and selectivity. The functionalized membranes showed up to 31% increase in CO 2 permeability and 14% increase in CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity. In order to study the stability of these newly developed MMMs, they were tested at different operating conditions (temperatures, mixed-gas feeds and CO 2 feed concentration).