CO2 separation using surface-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles incorporated ultra-thin film composite mixed matrix membranes for post-combustion carbon capture

Abstract

CO2 separation across polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based ultra-thin film composite mixed matrix membranes (UTFC-MMMs) containing surface-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles (SFSNPs) were investigated. The SFSNPs were prepared by physicochemical adsorption of polyethyleneimine (PEI), polydopamine (PDA) and codeposition of PEI and PDA onto the porous SiO2 nanoparticles (diameter of ~10 nm). A cross-linked PEG-based polymer incorporating the SFSNPs was formed into an ultra-thin, CO2 selective layer of ~ 55 nm via a novel nano-coating technology, namely continuous assembly of polymers (CAP). The resulting PEG-based UTFC-MMMs demonstrate the potential of ultra thin films prepared by the CAP nanotechno..