Improving O2 N2 Selective Filtration Using Carbon Nanotube-Modified Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Improving O2 N2 Selective Filtration Using Carbon Nanotube-Modified Mixed-Matrix MembranesImprovingO2/N2SelectiveFiltrationUsingCarbonNanotube-ModifiedMixed-MatrixMembranesAmodifiedmixed-matrixmembrane(MMM)wasdesignedinordertoimproveO2/N2selectivefiltration.ThefabricatedMMMconsistofpurifiedandfunctional-izedmulti-walledcarbonnanotubes(MWCNT)andpolyethersulfone.Character-izationofthepreparedmembranesandthefunctionalizedMWCNTwasdonebyscanningelectronmicroscopy,Fouriertransforminfraredspectroscopyandther-mogravimetricanalysismethods.Thepermeabilitiesandselectivitiesofthemem-braneswereimprovedusingmodifiedMWCNTasMMMfiller.Theeffectsofthesolvent,thecarbonnanotubetypesanddosage,thepolymerdosage,thecastingmethod,andtheappliedpressureinboththemembranefabricationandgassepa-rationprocesseswereinvestigated.Keywords:Gasselectivity,Gasseparation,Mixed-matrixmembrane,Multi-walledcarbonnanotubesReceived:September9,2014;revised:April20,2015;accepted:July20,2015DOI:10.1002/ceat.2014005381IntroductionGa