Dr. Chunfeng Song of Air and Biomass Catalysis Group published a cover article on the International Journal of Greenhouse Gases: Science and technology


       On May 2020, Dr. Chunfeng Song in ABC group made important research progress in the field of CO2 capture. the scientific research work was published on International Journal of Greenhouse Gases: Science and technology entitled "PEBAX / mwcnts-NH2 mixed matrix memories for enhanced CO2 / N2 separation" (DOI: 10.1002 / GHG. 1970), as the cover article.

       At present, Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) played a promising role in gas separation. However, the trade-off between permeability and selectivity is still a challenge for its commercial application. Rational design of the inorganic filler, compatibility of filler with the polymer and dispersion of filler into the polymer have a significant influence on the morphology and separation performance of a membrane. In this study, in order to produce defect-free flat sheet mixed matrix membranes, two different solvents (N-methyl, 2-pyrrolidone and ethanol/water) were investigated to maximize the dispersion of filler (Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs) in Pebax. The prepared membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. CO2 / N2 permeation tests were undertaken to investigate the solvent effect on membrane permeation properties. The result showed that membranes fabricated with higher molar volume solvent were more efficient for CO2 separation. Considering the trade-off between different parameters (molar volume of solvent, fraction-free volume, crystallinity of membranes), the permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity of Pebax/MWCNTs MMMs was optimized to 405 barrer and 51, respectively.
       This research was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program-China (2017YFE0127200), National Natural Science Foundation of China (21878228), Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by Tianjin City (TJSQNTJ-2017-03) and International Cooperation Research Centre of Carbon Capture in Ultra-low Energy-consumption (Tianjin).

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Qingling Liu,PhD, Professor
Tel: 022-8740-1255
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liuql@tju.edu.cn
Biography: Graduated in 2008 in Dalian University of Technology with PhD degree, 2008-2010 worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher Fellow...
Correspondance Address:B201, Department of Environemntal Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, 92# Weijin Rd, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072 Email: liuql@tju.edu.cn
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