Poly(ether-b-amide)/ethylene glycol monophenyl ether gel membrane with superior CO2/N2 separation performance fabricated by thermally induced phase separation method

Binary mixtures of semicrystalline polymers with low-molecular-mass compounds: thermal behaviour and phase structure

The results of phase equilibrium studies in mixtures of semicrystalline polymers with low-molecular-mass compounds are summarized and analyzed. A new classification of phase diagrams for such mixtures is proposed. Alternative points of view on the phase composition of semicrystalline polymers are presented. The phase structure evolution during the thermally induced phase separation of mixtures is monitored and the morphology of the forming capillary porous bodies as precursors of polymeric membranes is described. The general regularities concerning the influence of the nature of mixture components, polymer molecular mass, temperature scanning rate and other factors on the topology of phase diagrams are considered. Experimental methods used to construct the phase diagrams of mixtures and to study features of their phase structure are compared.

The bibliography includes 203 references.

A Bibliometric Survey of Paraffin/Olefin Separation Using Membranes

Bibliometric studies allow to collect, organize and process information that can be used to guide the development of research and innovation and to provide basis for decision-making. Paraffin/olefin separations constitute an important industrial issue because cryogenic separation methods are frequently needed in industrial sites and are very expensive. As a consequence, the use of membrane separation processes has been extensively encouraged and has become an attractive alternative for commercial separation processes, as this may lead to reduction of production costs, equipment size, energy consumption and waste generation. For these reasons, a bibliometric survey of paraffin/olefin membrane separation processes is carried out in the present study in order to evaluate the maturity of the technology for this specific application. Although different studies have proposed the use of distinct alternatives for olefin/paraffin separations, the present work makes clear that consensus has yet to be reached among researchers and technicians regarding the specific membranes and operation conditions that will make these processes scalable for large-scale commercial applications.

Effects of nanofillers on the characteristics and performance of PEBA-based mixed matrix membranes

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with superior structural and functional properties provide an interesting approach to enhance the separation properties of polymer membranes. As a matter of fact, MMMs combine the advantages of both components; polymeric continuous phase and nanoparticle dispersed phase. Generally, the separation performance of polymeric membranes suffers from an upper-performance limit. Hence, the incorporation of nanoparticles helps to overcome such limitations. Block copolymers such as poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) composed of immiscible soft ether segments as well as hard amide segments have been shown as excellent materials for the synthesis of membranes. Consequently, PEBA membranes have been extensively used in scientific research and industrial processes. It is thus aimed to provide an overview of PEBA MMMs. This review is especially devoted to summarizing the effects of nanoparticle loading on PEBA performance and properties such as selectivity, permeability, thermal and mechanical properties, and others. In addition, the preparation techniques of PEBA MMMs and solvent selection are discussed. This article also discusses the many types of nanoparticles incorporated into PEBA membranes. Furthermore, the future direction in PEBA MMMs research for separation processes is briefly predicted.

Multi-functional polydopamine coating: simultaneous enhancement of interfacial adhesion and CO2 separation performance of mixed matrix membranes

Incorporation of PDA@ZIF-8 can simultaneously enhance the CO₂ separation performance and interfacial adhesion of MMMs.