CO2 reverse selective mixed matrix membranes for H-2 purification by incorporation of carbon-silica fillers

By filling a PDMS top layer with porous carbon–silica microspheres, a defect-free mixed matrix membrane was created with notable CO2 reverse selective separation properties. For the separation of CO2 over H2 at room temperature and 10 bar inlet pressure, these membranes demonstrate high CO2 gas fluxes up to 3 × 10−7 mol cm−2 s−1, in combination with ideal separation factors in the range of 6 to 9. The present separation data signify an important step forward in the removal of CO2 from H2 using a reverse selective separation strategy. Moreover, they elucidate the potential of such mixed matrix membranes in the emerging field of CO2 separation.