Most examples of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) involve one type of polymer and one type of inorganic filler particle. Here, both polymer blending and MMM approaches are combined to form exceptional three-component membranes for CO 2 /N 2 separation. Nano-sized amino-functionalized UiO-66 is added to a polymer blend of PIM-1 and an ether side chain functionalized polyphosphazene (MEEP80) to create a series of MMMs. Incorporation of UiO-66-NH 2 particles boosts the CO 2 permeability of the PIM-1/MEEP80 (75:25) blend from 3140 up to nearly 6000 Barrer, while maintaining its CO 2 /N 2 selectivity within the range of 22−25, placing it well above the 2008 Robeson upper bound. In addition, the compatibility of the component parts leads to improved mechanical flexibility and mitigated physical aging for more than 300 days. This unique strategy constitutes a facile MMM formulation approach for energy efficient carbon capture from flue gas.
In this perspective article, we provide a detailed outlook on recent developments of high-performance membranes used in CO2 separation applications. A wide range of membrane materials including polymers of intrinsic microporosity, thermally rearranged polymers, metal–organic framework membranes, poly ionic liquid membranes, and facilitated transport membranes were surveyed from the recent literature. In addition, mixed matrix and polymer blend membranes were covered. The CO2 separation performance, as well as other membrane properties such as film flexibility, processibility, aging, and plasticization, were analyzed.
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