(292c) Functional Nanofiber Network Membranes for Solubility Based Separation of Carbon Dioxide | AIChE

(292c) Functional Nanofiber Network Membranes for Solubility Based Separation of Carbon Dioxide

Authors 

Coleman, M. - Presenter, The University of Toledo
Hakim-elahi, N. H., University of Toledo

Membranes have garnered interest as alternatives to amine absorption for selective recovery of COa from gas streams because of their small modular size, low energy usage, and capital cost. However, novel membrane system designs and materials are needed to address the energy costs associated with separations of CO2 from high temperature, low pressure flue gas streams. While many polymeric membranes focus on diffusion based separations, membrane material designed to target solubility selectivity through incorporation of groups that have a high affinity for CO2 have the potential to provide the high selectivities required for this application. The presentation focuses on development of a platform membrane material based on a functionalized nanofiber network within a polymer matrix for solubility based separations of CO2 from N2. Functional nanofiber network membranes (FNNM) consist of a network of amine functionalized carbon nanofibers that provide a highly selective CO2 pathway within a continuous polymer matrix. FNNM produced using a scaffold of amine functionalized carbon nanofibers exhibited high permeabilities and reasonable selectivities for CO2/N2 at elevated temperatures and relative humidity relative to the based polymer, poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS). The effect of carbon nanofiber functionalization and loading on the gas transport properties of the PDMS with emphasis on the CO2/CH4 and CO2/H2 systems will be addressed. Additionally, the effect of temperature and humidity on transport characteristics of the membranes will be discussed