Preparing and Characterizing PVC/ZnO Nanoparticle Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and N2/CH4 Gas Separation

PVC/ZnO mixed matrix membranes were prepared and characterized for gas separation properties. The effects of ZnO loading ratio and feed pressure on the gas separation performance of the prepared membranes were investigated. Testing gases were He، N2، CH4، and CO2. The results indicated that the permeability of all the gases increased with an increase in ZnO loading ratio. At a ZnO loading ratio of 15% and a pressure of 8 bar، the permeability of He، N2، CH4، CO2 increased from 3. 56، 0. 01، 0. 007، 0. 21 to 49. 9، 1. 6، 12، 26. 4 respectively. Moreover، the permeability of the studying gases showed an increasing manner. The selectivity of pair gases (CO2/N2)، (CO2/CH4)، and (N2/CH4) decreased with an increase in feed pressure. Furthermore، the mechanical properties analysis of the prepared membranes showed that the presence of ZnO nanoparticles in membrane structure night improve tensile module.