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).