Mixed matrix membranes derived from a spirobifluorene polymer of intrinsic microporosity and polyphenylene networks for the separation of toluene from dimethyl sulfoxide

A spirobifluorene polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-SBF) and polyphenylene networks based on triphenylbenzene (TPB), hexaphenylbenzene (HPB) and octaphenylquinquephenyl (OPQ) were synthesised and characterized. Uncrosslinked membranes of PIM-SBF proved suitable for the separation of a toluene/DMSO mixture (77:23 volume ratio) by pervaporation at 65 degrees C, giving a separation factor of 3.9 and a flux of 2.0 kg m(-2) h(-1). The addition of 5 wt% HPB network enhanced the separation factor, while OPQ and TPB networks increased the flux that could be achieved. [GRAPHICS] .