Project of Bachelor of Chemical Gas Engineering
Title: Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Mixed Matrix Membrane for the Gas Separation
This study investigates the effect of addition of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using beta cyclodextrin (β-CD) in polyimide (PI) mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) for gas separation. The synergistic combinations of organic polymers for separation applications with inorganic substances such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have resulted in a new class of membrane material called mixed matrix membrane for the gas separation. However, weak interfacial interaction between CNT and polymer and strong van der waals forces in CNTs were major problems for the CNTs based MMMs. Therefore, functionalization of CNTs with β-CD is proposed as inorganic filler in MMMs. PI mixed matrix membrane was fabricated through simple dry/wet phase inversion process. The mixed matrix membrane will be characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Pure gases of carbon dioxide and methane will be applied for the gas performance testing. The permeability and selectivity of the gases will be evaluated. Functionalization of CNTs by using β-CD will produce a better performance of the MMMs due to a better interaction between CNTs and polymer. For more details, please download the attachment below: