Effect of nano Zinc Oxide on gas permeation through mixed matrix poly (Amide-6-b-Ethylene Oxide)-based membranes

Poly (amide-6-b-ethylene oxide)/Zinc Oxide (PEBA/ZnO) mixed matrix membranes were fabricated using ethanol/water as solvent by solvent casting method. The concentration of ZnO in membrane was set to 0.1 wt.% and the synthesized membranes were characterized by AFM and FTIR. Effects of ZnO nanoparticle on CO2, CH4 and N2 permeabilities, and CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities of the membranes were investigated at the ambient temperature and pressure range of 4–12 bar. The results revealed that the CO2 permeability of the nano-composite membrane increased 158 % with pressure, from 54.08 barrer (at 4 bar) to 139.59 barrer (at 12 bar). Furthermore, CO2 permeability for the nano-composite membrane was higher than neat polymeric membrane. The PEBA/ZnO nano-composite membranes thus provide a promising potential for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation.