Novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on metal-organic framework (MOF) [Mg-3(BTC)(2)]/poly-ether sulfone (PES): preparation and application for CO2 gas separation

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) could be a solution to combine the advantage of organic polymer and inorganic membrane for CO2 gas separation. In this research, MMMs based on poly-ether sulfone (PES) with various amounts addition of Metal-Organic Framework based on magnesium(II) and benzene 1,3,5- tricarboxylate [Mg-3(BTC)(2)], as filler, have been prepared via phase inversion method. According to FTIR spectroscopy, the obtained MMMs show no chemical interaction between [Mg-3(BTC)(2)] and PES. Post-synthesis sonication on [Mg-3(BTC)(2)] resulted in 5 times smaller particle size and increased the surface area up to 8 times. The loading of [Mg-3(BTC)(2)] slightly increases the thermal stability of the PES membrane up to 20 degrees C according to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). High [Mg-3(BTC)(2)] loading of 30 and 40 wt% resulting in particle agglomeration as depicted in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The value of CO2 permeability increased almost five times after loading of 20 wt% [Mg-3(BTC)(2)] into PES, while the selectivity of CO2/N-2 and CO2/O-2 separation increased up to 200 and 150%, respectively.