Synthesis and characterization of EDA-functionalized polyethersulfone/SAPO-34 mixed matrix membrane

Modification techniques of the inorganic fillers have been introduced in the synthesis of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) in order to make the fillers become more compatible and homogenously dispersed in the polymer matrix. It is also believed that enhancement in polymer/filler interaction can enhance the gas separation performance. In this work, SAPO-34 zeolite was functionalized using an organic amino cation, ethylenediamine (EDA) prior to embedment in the PES polymer matrix. The obtained PES/SAPO-34 mixed matrix membranes were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analyses in order to compare the properties between unmodified and modified MMM. It was found from FTIR analysis that EDA was successfully grafted onto the SAPO-34 surface. TGA analysis also showed that functionalized MMM exhibited an increase in membrane thermal stability. The use of EDA-functionalized SAPO-34 in the PES based MMM has improved the contact between polymer and filler interphase as revealed by FESEM images. This finding suggests that the functionalization technique using EDA can be used in the fabrication of MMM in order to enhance the compatibility between the polymer and zeolite. © 2006-2015 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).