Enhanced ethanol pervaporative selectivity of polydimethylsiloxane membranes by incorporating with graphene oxide@silica core-shell structure

A graphene oxide@silica core-shell structure (GO@silica) was prepared and embedded into the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Meanwhile, (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)triethoxysilane (TFTS) was employed to improve the compatibility between PDMS and GO@silica and create a hydrophobic membrane surface for improving the ethanol pervaporative performance. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) result showed that the resultant PDMS/GO@silica MMMs were smooth and defect-free. Meanwhile, the increase in hydrophobicity, swelling degree, and PV performance was achieved because of the incorporation of the modified GO@silica. The maximal separation factor of 11.43 coupled with a high permeation flux of 223 g.m(-2).h(-1) was observed when separating a 10 wt. % ethanol/water mixture at 30 degrees C. Moreover, the MMMs displayed a stable PV performance during a 168-h continuous operation.