Poly(ethylene oxide) induced cross-linking modification of Matrimid membranes for selective separation of CO2

The novel cross-linker, poly(propylene glycol) block poly(ethylene glycol) block poly(propylene glycol) diamine (PPG/PEG/PPGDA), was employed to chemically cross-link Matrimid 5218 at room temperature. The cross-linking reaction process was monitored by FTIR. The XRD was used to indicate the changing of the polymer structure by cross-linking reaction. The effects of the cross-linking reaction on mechanical performance, gel content and H2, CO2, N2 and CH4 gas transport properties of the cross-linked Matrimid membranes were investigated. The cross-linked Matrimid membranes display excellent CO2 permeability and CO2/light gas selectivity compared with the uncross-linked Matrimid membrane. Finally, the potential application of the cross-linked Matrimid membranes for CO2/light gas separation was explored.