Separation of CO2 from CH4 using a synthesized Pebax-1657/ZIF-7 mixed matrix membrane

In this study, ZIF-7 nanoparticles were first synthesized and then incorporated into polyether-block-amide (Pebax-1657) matrix with different loadings to prepare mixed matrix membranes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were employed to recognize crystalline structure and chemical bonds variations of the ZIF-7 nanoparticles, respectively. Morphology of the membrane exhibited that the best performance was observed using FESEM analysis. The CO2 and CH4 permeation experiments were carried out at temperature and pressure of 30°C and 2.5 bar, respectively. The gas permeation results indicated that the mixed matrix membranes have higher efficiencies for CO2/CH4 separation compared with the neat membranes.