Work

Influence of filler microstructure on propylene/propane separation in calixarene-based mixed matrix membranes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The pure organic nature and solubility of calixarenes in organic solvents position them as prospective fillers for mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). This investigation incorporated two calixarene materials, C-propylpyrogallol[4]arene (PgC 3 ) and sulfonato-calix[6]arene (SCA6), into a 6FDA-TMPDA matrix to fabricate MMMs targeting C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation. The separation performance of two calixarenes based MMMs were investigated at various filler loadings. SCA6 was found to be a more suitable filler for 6FDA-TMPDA as its abundant -OH and -HSO 3 functional groups, which strengthened filler-matrix interfacial compatibility. The membrane containing 1 wt% SCA6 in 6FDA-TMPDA exhibited optimal performance, attaining the C 3 H 6 permeability of 69.3 Barrer and an ideal selectivity of 17.3, surpassing the polymeric upper limit. The PgC 3 /6FDA-TMPDA MMMs also displayed a marked selectivity enhancement from 7.1 to 18.9. Both 1 wt% SCA6/6FDA-TMPDA and 5 wt% PgC 3 /6FDA-TMPDA membranes demonstrated long-term stability up to 20 days. The excellent separation performance and operational stability of these MMMs offer a promising alternative for efficient C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation. Calixarene mixed matrix membranes achieving outstanding C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation performance beyond polymeric limits together with long-term stability.

Source: Advanced Membranes

DOI: 10.1016/j.advmem.2025.100192