(742b) Preparation of Mixed-Matrix Carbon Molecular-Sieve (CMS) Membranes Using Nano-Sized Particles

We have evaluated the technical feasibility of utilizing mixed-matrix
 (MM) carbon molecular-sieve (CMS) membranes in the separations of H₂ and
 CO₂ from gas mixtures of relevance to power generation. The MM membranes
 are fabricated by incorporating CMS nanoparticles into a polymer matrix.
 The CMS nanoparticles are prepared by wet-grinding of pyrolyzed pellets
 of polyetherimide. Supported MM-CMS and MM polymeric membranes were both
 prepared. For the MM-CMS membranes, the incorporation of the CMS
 nanoparticles greatly enhanced the permeability and selectivity. An ideal
 CO₂/CH₄ separation factor of 120 was obtained with a CO₂ permeance around
 9.0 × 10^-8 mol/m².s.Pa for membranes with a CMS particle loadings of 10
 wt.%. The corresponding H₂ separation factor was 130 and with a H₂
 permeance of 9.7 × 10^-8 mol/m².s.Pa. We have also investigated the
 influence of the pyrolysis temperature and total solid% on the permeation
 properties of MM-CMS and CMS membranes. The effect of the CMS
 content on the performances of polymeric supported membranes have also
 been studied.