A novel zeolitic imidazolate framework based mixed-matrix membrane for efficient CO₂ separation under wet conditions

Polymer-based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by filling glassy polysulfone (PSF) with zeolitic imidazole framework ZIF-301 nanocrystals using solution-casting method. Different loadings of ZIF-301 nanocrystals were incorporated in PSF matrix to assess the separation performance of MMMs to efficiently capture CO₂ from post combustion flue gas. Hydrothermally stable flexible MMMs demonstrating consistent distribution and fine adhesion of filler-matrix interface were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Gas sorption analysis along with dry and wet gas permeation tests exhibited that CO₂ permeability of MMM containing 40wt % ZIF-301 was increased by three times as compared to bare PSF without affecting CO₂/N₂ ideal selectivity.