In-situ synthesis of ZIF-8 on mixed matrix PDMS membrane for enhanced desorption of CO2 from dimethyl carbonate

Nowadays, Carbon capture and storage (CCS) are widely studied as a way of reducing greenhouse emissions and slowing down global warming. Integrated solvent absorption-membrane desorption is a novel CO2 pre-combustion capture technology with the advantage of relatively low energy cost. Herein, the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were synthesized through a facile in-situ method for enhanced desorption of CO2 from dimethyl carbonate (DMC). ZIF-8 nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The morphology, microstructure and thermal stabilities were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Results revealed that fabrication of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on PDMS matrix greatly increased CO2 flux of the membrane without any leakage of DMC. The membrane showed superior performance with increase of temperature and feed pressure. In particular, PPM-4 exhibited the highest CO2 flux of 2670 g/m(2) M at 0.4 MPa (20 degrees C) with the feed flow rate of 0.8 L/min. It was found that the use of DMC absorption-PDMS membrane desorption technology significantly reduces the cost of CO2 capture. The enhanced performance of this combination of a new absorbent and mixed matrix membranes will open new routes for future CO2 capture systems.