Estimating CO₂/N₂ Permselectivity through Si/Al = 5 Small-Pore Zeolites/PTMSP Mixed Matrix Membranes: Influence of Temperature and Topology

Membranes (Basel). 2018 Jun 16;8(2):32. doi: 10.3390/membranes8020032.

Abstract

In the present work, the effect of zeolite type and topology on CO₂ and N₂ permeability using zeolites of different topology (CHA, RHO, and LTA) in the same Si/Al = 5, embedded in poly(trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) is evaluated with temperature. Several models are compared on the prediction of CO₂/N₂ separation performance and then the modified Maxwell models are selected. The CO₂ and N₂ permeabilities through these membranes are predicted with an average absolute relative error (AARE) lower than 0.6% taking into account the temperature and zeolite loading and topology on non-idealities such as membrane rigidification, zeolite⁻polymer compatibility and sieve pore blockage. The evolution of this structure⁻performance relationship with temperature has also been predicted.

Keywords: Poly(trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP); mixed matrix membranes; modeling; small-pore zeolites (CHA, RHO, LTA); temperature.