CO2/N2 Separation by Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes Based on Tubular Ceramic Support Impregnated with Selected Ionic Liquid

Abstract

The separation of CO2/N2  by supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) is presented. SILMs have been developed by impregnation of the ceramic support nanopores of  commercial PDMS (polidimethylosiloxane) membranes (made by Pervatech BV) and commercial microfiltration membranes (made by Inopor) with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][Ac]). Comparison of separation efficiency of SILMs prepared on the same ceramic support shows that SILMs based on PDMS membranes show good stability and very high CO2/N2 selectivity. Yhe obtained results present an inexpensive alternative in selective CO2/N2 separation by SILMs, especially when the choice of selectivity is the first priority. The comparison with Robeson upper bond correlation and literature data shows that applying the ionic liquid and appropriate impregnating method to the PDMS membranes results in significant improvement of separation performance.