The modification of cellulose acetate (CA) films via grafting of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) to −OH groups, with subsequent condensation of hydrolyzed methoxy groups on the silane to form a polymer network is presented. The technique is referred to as GCV-modif ication. The modified material maintains similar H 2 S/CH 4 and CO 2 /CH 4 selectivities compared to the unmodified material; however the pure CO 2 and H 2 S permeabilities are 139 and 165 barrers, respectively, which are more than an order of magnitude higher than the neat polymer. The membranes were tested at feed pressures of up to 700 psia in a ternary 20 vol. %H 2 S/20 vol. % CO 2 /60 vol. % CH 4 mixture. Even under aggressive feed conditions, GCV-modified CA showed comparable selectivities and significantly higher permeabilities. Furthermore, GCVmodified membrane had a lower T g , lower crystallinity, and higher flexibility than neat CA. The higher flexibility is due to the vinyl substituent provided by VTMS, thereby reducing brittleness, which could be helpful in an asymmetric membrane structure.
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