Reinforced facilitated transport PEBA membrane by 2D Fe-doped TiO2 macroporous nanosheets for CO2 separation: Utilizing cationic and non-ionic surfactants

In this study, macroporous nanosheets of 2D Fe-Doped TiO2 were synthesized, and subsequently, membranes composed of polyether block amide (PEBA) were prepared. These membranes were incorporated with the nanosheets mentioned above, as well as two distinct types of surfactant. The structure and gas separation properties of the membranes were studied using different methods, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as gas permeation analyses and tensile test. The findings indicated that the nanosheets underwent a porous transformation following the doping process. This occurrence improved the bonding between the nanosheets and PEBA chains, consequently boosting the mechanical strength of the membranes embedded with these nanosheets. Incorporating these nanosheets into the membrane (4 wt%) established a more efficient facilitated transport mechanism via Lewis acid centers, resulting in a 12.5 % increase in CO2 permeability and a 136 % rise in the selectivity of CO2/N-2 compared to the pure PEBA membrane. Two different surfactants were introduced to the PEBA/FeTiO2 matrix, resulting in varying impacts on membrane structure and performance. The Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant led to membrane stiffening and a significant 241 % enhancement in CO2/N-2 selectivity at 1 wt%. On the other hand, the Polysorbat (Tween) as a non-ionic surfactant softened the membrane and boosted CO2 permeability by 53 % at 6 wt% compared to the pure membrane.