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Title: Superior CO2/N2 separation performance of highly branched Poly(1,3 dioxolane) plasticized by polyethylene glycol

Journal Article · · Journal of Membrane Science

With its high content of CO2-philic ether oxygen groups, poly(1,3-dioxolane) (PDXLA) has emerged as an attractive platform to achieve excellent CO2/N2 separation properties for post-combustion carbon capture. Herein we demonstrate that the separation properties of PDXLA can be further enhanced by plasticizing with miscible polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based additives using an integrated experimentation and modeling approach. The effects of the chain end groups and loading level of the additives on the physical properties of the blends are thoroughly investigated, including glass transition temperature (Tg), fractional free volume, and gas transport properties, and the effects can be satisfactorily described using models available for homogeneous blends. Notably, a Tg-integrated free volume model is adapted to successfully interpret the unified effect of the blend composition and temperature on gas diffusivity and permeability. A sample containing 45 mass% PEG dimethyl ether (PEGDME with a molecular mass of 240 g/mol) displays stable mixed-gas CO2 permeability of 1540 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 40 when challenged with a model flue gas at 60 °C, outperforming Robeson's 2008 upper bound. Elucidating how small plasticizers impact gas transport in homogeneous blends may unravel a facile way to design high-performance membranes for gas separations.

Research Organization:
State Univ. of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE); National Science Foundation (NSF)
Grant/Contract Number:
FE0031736; NSF-1554236
OSTI ID:
1865818
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1845040
Journal Information:
Journal of Membrane Science, Vol. 648; ISSN 0376-7388
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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