Performance studies of mixed matrix membranes for gas separation : a review

Abstract

Development of polymeric gasseparationmembranes is one of the fastest growing branches of membrane technology. However, polymeric materials are somewhat deficient in meeting the requirements of current membrane technology. Mixedmatrixmembrane (MMM), comprising rigid permeable or impermeable particles, such as zeolites, carbon molecular sieves, silica and carbon nanotubes, dispersed in a continuous polymeric matrix presents an interesting approach for improving the separation properties of polymeric membranes. In this approach, using properties of both the organic and inorganic phase, amembrane with good permeability, selectivity, mechanical strength, and thermal, chemical stability and processibility can be prepared. In this paper the performancestudies of MMM for gasseparation were critically reviewed. In addition, the materials selection and the preparation techniques of MMM were also discussed. Methodology in improving the interface defects in the MMM and its effect on the separationperformance have also been reviewed. The models for predicting the performance of MMM for gasseparation have been discussed in details and the future direction of research and development to fully exploit the potential usage of MMM was shown.