Using Pebax-1074/ZIF-7 mixed matrix membranes for separation of CO2 from CH4

Membrane processes are economical techniques which have attracted many attentions in petroleum engineering particularly in the gas separation, recently. In this study, effective mixed matrix membranes were prepared using polyether-block-amide (Pebax-1074) as base polymer and ZIF-7 nanoparticles with different loadings as fillers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles and membranes. To investigate performance of the membranes, permeation experiments of the CO2 and CH4 through the membranes were carried out at pressure of 3 bar and temperature of 30°C. The obtained results indicated that the mixed matrix membranes have higher CO2/CH4 selectivities compared to the neat membrane.