Optimization of PEG-based membranes and mixed matrix membranes for CO2 capture

Abstract

Design better CO2 separation membranes for capture CO2

The elevated CO2 concentration has been widely recognized as one of the main factors leading to the increasing serious global warming. To prevent it from continuing ascending, actions should be taken to capture CO2 more efficiently before emission. Gas separation membrane technology may be one of the promising candidates for this issue, thanks to its high energy efficiency and green process. However, most of the current performances of the membrane materials are insufficient to compete with the major CO2 capture technology. Hence, modifying the current materials with desired performances may be the solution.

This thesis employed two approaches to improve the separation performance of the current membrane materials: i) cross-linked polyethylene glycol-based membranes by new cross-linking methods and ii) embedded inorganic fillers with various morphology into the polymeric matrix. The CO2 separation performances of these membranes have been improved. In addition, these membranes have been tested at various conditions to understand the effects of the structure, composition of polymeric membrane, and the morphology of filler on the CO2 separation performances of these membranes.