Solid-liquid-polymer mixed-matrix membranes

For the liquid-polymer mixed-matrix membranes, the physical state of the fillers incorporated into the continuous polymer matrix is liquid such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Because of the long-term stability concern of liquid polymer encapsulated in the continuous polymer matrix, a new type of mixed-matrix membranes, solid-hquid-polymer mixed-matrix membrane, has been developed recently. The solid such as activated carbon impregnated with liquid polymer such as PEG is functioned as stabilizer of the liquid polymer in the continuous polymer phase. Besides, activated carbon enhances the mixed-matrix membrane performance. 

Liu C, Kulprathipanja S, Schott ME, Wilson ST. Ionic liquid-solid-polymer mixed matrix membranes for gas separations. U.S. Patent 7943543 Bl 2011. 

Based on the need of a more efficient membrane than polymer and inorganie membranes, a new type of membranes, mixed-matrix membranes, has been developed recently. Mixed-matrix membranes are hybrid membranes containing solid, liquid, or both solid and liquid fillers embedded in a polymer matrix." The various material combinations possible with mixed-matrix technology are represented in Figure 30.2. All of these combinations, with the exception of supported liquids, will be covered in this chapter. 

The strategy for the development of mixed-matrix membranes is to combine the advanced features of polymer membrane and inorganic membrane into one composite membrane. As discussed in the previous section, this is done by incorporating dispersed fillers into continuous polymer matrices. As noted in the introduction, there are three main types of mixed-matrix membranes reported in the literature solid-polymer, liquid-polymer, and solid-liquid-polymer mixed-matrix membranes. The polymer matrices providing low cost and easy processability are selected from either glassy polymers (e.g., polyimide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, or cellulose acetate) or rubbery polymers (e.g., silicone rubber). The dispersed fillers include solid, liquid, or both solid and liquid. 

Solid-Liquid-Polymer Mixed-Matrix Membranes... 

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