Development and Testing of Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing Functionalized and Hybrid Nanofillers for CO2 Separation

This proposal aims to develop advanced mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for efficient CO₂ separation by incorporating CO₂-philic functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers into sulfonated styrene-based pentablock copolymers. This approach enhances membrane selectivity and permeability, improving CO₂ separation while reducing energy consumption. The selected polymers offer high thermal stability, mechanical strength, and CO₂ affinity. Functionalized GO nanofillers will be synthesized, characterized (XRD, XPS, Raman, SEM, TEM, BET, CO₂ sorption), and their compatibility with the polymer matrix evaluated. Both free-standing and thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes will be fabricated on ultrafiltration (UF) supports (PS, PES, PAN), incorporating nanofillers for enhanced performance. Membrane properties will be analyzed using AFM, SEM, wettability, thermal, and mechanical tests. CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ separation will be assessed using single- and mixed-gas setups. This work advances CO₂ separation technology and trains undergraduate chemical engineering students in CO₂ capture. Results will contribute to large-scale carbon separation process modeling for industrial applications.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)