Mixed-Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2 Separation Comprising a Poly(vinylamine) Matrix and Metal–Organic Frameworks

In this work, imidazolate framework ZIF-8 nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into a poly(vinylamine) (PVAm) coating solution. The chemical structure of a PVAm/ZIF-8 film was characterized by X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed by coating the PVAm/ZIF-8 mixed dispersion on a polysulfone (PSf) support membrane. Surface and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy images of the MMMs were employed to observe the dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity of the MMMs were evaluated by using a CO2/N2 mixture gas. Optimal preparation parameters for the MMMs were achieved by varying the incorporated ZIF-8 contents in the coating solution and the wet coating thickness. The effect of incorporated ZIF-8 on improving the gas permselectivity was revealed, and the mechanism of CO2-facilitated transport in the PVAm/ZIF-8/PSf membrane was analyzed. The CO2/N2 separation performance of PVAm/ZIF-8/PSf membranes with different wet coating thicknesses was also evaluated at 22–60 °C to analyze the changes of the gas permselectivity with increasing temperature.