ABSTRACT

This manuscript reports the fabrication of polyethersulfone (PES)/ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) composite membrane for gas separation. ZIF-L is a new type of nanosheet metal-organic frameworks that can selectively separate CO₂. Hypothetically, its presence in the selective layer will simultaneously improve CO₂ permeance and selectivity. The effect of four parameters (PDMS concentration, withdrawal speed, holding time and ZIF-L:PDMS ratio) involved during the fabrication process on the separation performance were thoroughly looked at. Except for ZIF-L:PDMS ratio, it was found that, all parameters have a significant influence on both, the thickness of selective layer and amount of ZIF-L present. ZIF-L:PDMS ratio has substantial impact on the ZIF-L adhered on the support. The ideal fabrication condition was 3 wt% PDMS concentration, 5 mm/s withdrawal speed, 120s holding time and 1:1 ZIF-L:PDMS ratio. At these conditions, the composite membrane recorded 4.25 GPU, 15.71 GPU and 8.93 GPU of CO₂ permeance, CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity, respectively.

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