Improved CO(2)/CH(4) Separation Properties of Cellulose Triacetate Mixed–Matrix Membranes with CeO(2)@GO Hybrid Fillers

The study of the effects associated with the compatibility of the components of the hybrid filler with polymer matrix, which ultimately decide on achieving mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with better gas separation properties, is essential. Herein, a facile solution casting process of simple incorporating CeO(2)@GO hybrid inorganic filler material is implemented. Significant improvements in material and physico-chemical properties of the synthesized membranes were observed by SEM, XRD, TGA, and stress-strain measurements. Usage of graphene oxide (GO) with polar groups on the surface enabled forming bonds with ceria (CeO(2)) nanoparticles and CTA polymer and provided the homogeneous dispersion of the nanofillers in the hybrid MMMs. Moreover, increasing GO loading concentration enhanced both gas permeation in MMMs and CO(2) gas uptakes. The best performance was achieved by the membrane containing 7 wt.% of GO with CO(2) permeability of 10.14 Barrer and CO(2)/CH(4) selectivity 50.7. This increase in selectivity is almost fifteen folds higher than the CTA-CeO(2) membrane sample, suggesting the detrimental effect of GO for enhancing the selectivity property of the MMMs. Hence, a favorable synergistic effect of CeO(2)@GO hybrid fillers on gas separation performance is observed, propounding the efficient and feasible strategy of using hybrid fillers in the membrane for the potential biogas upgrading process.