Effect of poly(ether block amide)‐graphene/ ZnO membranes in mixed gas separation performance

Abstract In this work, graphene/zinc oxide nanoparticles (G/ZnO NPs) were synthesized by a metathesis‐assisted molten salt route. The methodology followed has outstanding features such as innovative, environmentally friendly, high‐yield, efficient, and straightforward. In addition, poly(ether‐ block ‐amide) (PEBA)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) filled with different amounts of G/ZnO NPs (up to 2%) were successfully prepared. Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction were performed to determine the thermal and structural properties of the pristine and MMMs. Scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy were used for morphological studies and for identifying the as‐prepared G/ZnO NPs. Incorporating G/ZnO NPs (PEBA‐G/ZnO 2% 476 Barrer) provided benefits to the permeability properties and showed an increase of 37% concerning the polymeric membrane (318.06 Barrer). The gas separation performance improved by increasing the amount of G/ZnO NPs. A synergistic effect between PEBA properties and G/ZnO NPs led to enhanced CO 2 selectivity for ternary mixed gas separation (CO 2 /CH 4 /N 2 ). Selectivity of the MMMs showed an increase of 34% higher than to pristine (PEBA) membrane favoring the permeation of CO 2 . G/ZnO NPs can be potentially helpful in membranes applied in the CO 2 mixed gas separation.