Mixed matrix membranes for H₂/CO₂ gas separation- a critical review

The technology of the membrane has garnered significant interest and attention in the separation processes of modern industries. This is because of efficient high energy, environmental compatibility, continuous operation process, and minimal investment capital. The polymeric membrane-based gas separation has widely been applied industrially in areas such as carbon capture, recovery of hydrogen gas, sweetening of natural gas, and the enrichment of oxygen. Among the various kinds of membranes studied, the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) integrating the advantages of the polymer matrix and organic/inorganic fillers, have been broadly studied. Over time, research efforts have been invested to improve the performance of gas separation of the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) alongside their general properties such as thermal stability and mechanical strength. This perspective explains the potential of using mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) in different industrial areas, especially in gas separation. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed critically the choice of advanced materials for the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), the trendy novelties in MMMs, and their application in the separation of gases with more emphasis on H₂/CO₂. Lastly, we examined the future outlook of this area of research as technologies unfold.