Synergistic Effect of Combining Titanosilicate and 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate in Mixed Matrix Membranes for Efficient C02 Separation

Abstract

The separation and capture of CO₂ from these sources is becoming important for greenhouse emission. The membrane-based separation process use to remove CO₂ takes advantages in energy efficient and environmentally friendly aspects and has been recognized as an important technology for CO₂ capture and gas separation. The novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by incorporating microporous titanosilicate ETS-10 and a highly CO₂ absorbent ionic liquid , [EMIM][Ac] into a Chitosan (CS) matrix to improve CO₂ separation performance, and were prepared, characterized and tested for CO₂ and N₂. The solubility values show that the CO₂ solubility increases upon addition of ETS-10 particles. The N₂ solubility in the ETS-10/[EMIM][Ac]/CS was reduced, while CO₂ solubility remained constant. FT-IR spectra revealed a good interaction between the components in the MMMs. Subtle differences in the intensity and position of all individual bands, were observed in the region between 3600 and 2700 cm^-1 and 1700 and 900 cm^-1. These indicated bonding of the components in the film, confirming the good interaction existing among the components, and that may account for the higher flexibility of the hybrid membrane materials imparted to both CS and ETS-10/CS MMMs, , due to the singular interaction between CS and [EMIM][Ac].

 

Keywords: CO₂ solubility, CO₂ separation, microporous titanosilicate ETS-10, Chitosan, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs).