Carbon Dioxide Gas Permeation Study of Polydimethylsiloxane Membrane Modified Using 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane

Abstract

Abstract Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), is increasing significantly and contributing to global warming and climate change. To address this issue, effective CO2 separation technology is required to separate CO2 from industrial flue gases prior to their release into the environment. Among various CO2 separation methods, membrane technology appears promising due to its attractive advantages, such as low fabrication cost, high energy efficiency and small carbon footprint. This study aimed to improve CO2 gas permeation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane through chemical grafting. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) containing an amino group was used to modify the surface of the PDMS membrane. The PDMS membrane grafted with APTES was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The gas permeation performance of the PDMS membrane was evaluated in terms of CO2 permeance, nitrogen (N2) permeance and CO2/N2 ideal selectivity. After being surface modified using APTES, the PDMS membrane experienced a two-fold increment in the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity.