Flat mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising polysulfone and clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite were prepared by casting. Zeolite was modified with three alkylamines: ethanolamine (EA), bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHPA), and polyethylenimine (PEI) by the impregnation method. Impregnated zeolite samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N 2 adsorption-desorption. The alkylamine loading extent determined by thermogravimetric analysis was 5.2, 4.8, and 8.5% for EA, BHPA, and PEI, respectively. Analyses of MMMs showed that the incorporation of impregnated zeolite affected the glasstransition temperature (T g ) and mixed-gas transport properties. In this regard, a decreasing trend of the T g values from 185.5 C for the polymeric membrane up to 176.6 C for Clino-EA-based MMM was recorded. In addition, the gas separation performance was evaluated at two different feed pressures. At 50 psi, MMMs showed an enhancement up to 30% on the CO 2 permeability (22.79 Barrer) and 55% on the CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity (45.78) in comparison with the polymeric membrane (CO 2 permeability 17.34 Barrer; CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity 29.38). These values varied depending on the alkylamine, BHPA being the most selective.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.