Functionalized organic filler based integrated membranes for environmental remediation.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are synthesized for efficient CO separation released from various anthropogenic sources, which are due to global environmental concerns. The synergetic effect of porous nitrogen-rich, CO-philic filler and polymer in mixed matrix-based membranes (MMMs) can separate CO competent. The development of various loadings of porphyrin poly(N-isopropyl Acryl Amide) (P-NIPAM)as functionalized organic fillers (5-20%) in polysulfone (PSU) through solution casting is carried out followed by the various characterizations including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer(FT-IR) analysis and pure and mixed gas permeations ranging from 2 to 10 bar feed pressure. Due to both organic species interactions in the matrix, well-distributed fillers and homogenous surfaces, and cross-sectional structures were observed due to π-π interactions and Lewis's basic functionalities. The strong affinity of porous nitrogen-rich and CO-philic fillers through gas permeation analysis showed high CO/CH and CO/N gas performance that surpassed Robeson's upper bound limit. Comparatively, MMMs showed improved CO/CH permeabilities from 87.5 ± 0.5 Barrer to 88.2 ± 0.9 Barrer than pure polymer matrix. For CO/N, CO permeabilities improved to 75 ± 0.8 Barrer than pure polymer matrix. For both gas pairs (CO/CH, CO/N), respective pureselectivities (84%; 86%) and binary selectivities (85% and 85%)were improved. Various theoretical gas permeation models were used to predict CO permeabilities for MMMs from which the modified Maxwell-Wagner-Sillar model showed the least AARE% of 0.87. The results showed promising results for efficient CO separation due to exceptional functionalized P-PNIPAM affinitive properties. Finally, cost analysis reflected the inflated cost of membranes production for industrial setup using indigenous resources.