Phase inversion method for the preparation of Pebax® 3533 thin film membranes for CO2/N2 separation

Thin film composite membranes of poly(ether-block-amide) copolymer Pebax® 3533 were prepared for the first time on asymmetric polysulfone supports by a phase inversion method. The casting solution concentration and number layers varied to study their influence selective layer thickness gas separation performance. concentrations polymer dissolved in 1-propanol/1-butanol mixture 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 1.5 wt%. These conditions produced with skin thicknesses from 0.2 1.8 µm. All characterized scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, intrinsic viscosity all solutions was studied understand effect homogeneity properties obtained membranes. In general, lower rendered more defective layers, resulting higher required obtain performance tested post-combustion 15/85 CO2/N2 at 25–50 °C under feed pressure 3 bar. best achieved 0.5 wt% after deposition four obtaining CO2 permeance 127 GPU selectivity 21.4 35 °C, same corresponding dense membrane but much permeance.