Mixed matrix membrane based on PEBAX® filled with layered double hydroxides

The effect of incorporating layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles containing different molar ratios of metals on the thermal, mechanical, and gas permeation properties of membranes based on PEBAX (R) was evaluated. The three nanoparticles were synthesized using molar x-ratios (x = Al/(Mg + Al)) equal to 0.20, 0.25 and 0.33. The dispersed nanoparticles changed thermal resistance, improved mechanical properties and CO2/CH4 separation performance of MMM when compared to the membranes of neat PEBAX (R). The addition of 2 % of LDH in PEBAX (R) 1657 promoted an increase of about 17 % in the elastic modulus and 10 % in the stress at break. The best result of permeation tests (1657-0.33-5 % MMM at 0.5 bar), shows increase CO2 permeability by 44 % and CO2/CH4 selectivity by 115 % as compared to the neat material. Gas permeation results showed that LDH with more anions favors the facilitated transport of CO2.