[Ni3(HCOO)6]/Poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) Mixed-Matrix Membranes for CH4/N2 Gas Separation

For the evaluation of CH 4 /N 2 separation, mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by adding [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ] as a filler into the poly(styrene- b -butadiene- b -styrene) (SBS) polymer. The structures and morphologies of [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ] and [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ]/SBS MMMs were characterized by different techniques, proving the crystalline structure of [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ] in SBS polymer matrices. The structural integrity of the MMMs and good compatibility between [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ] and SBS polymer were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Gas permeation measurements revealed that membranes containing various [Ni 3 (HCOO) 6 ] loadings exhibited different separation performances. The operational temperature exerted a significantly positive effect on the separation of CH 4 and N 2 .