Study of polymer-carbon mixed matrix membranes for CO2 separation from flue gas

Several types of composite membranes were prepared out of cellulose derivatives and carbon fillers and it was found that the preparation of improved composite materials was strongly related to the polymer-filler contact and adhesion. After careful selection and conditioning of the fillers, mixed matrix membranes having filler contents varying from 10 to 60 wt% were successfully obtained. According to the type of filler used, different selectivity enhancements were recorded. Thanks to the Maxwell equation, it was shown from these results that the interphase between the polymer and the filler played a determinant role in composite membrane permeability.