Preparation and Characterization of C60-Filled Ethyl Cellulose Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation of Propylene/Propane.

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) consisting of ethyl cellulose as continuous matrix and inorganic particle C60 as dispersed phase were prepared for propylene/propane separation. The impact of the C60 content on the separation properties of MMMs without and with ultraviolet cross-linking was investigated. The increment of decomposition temperature and single glass temperature of ethyl cellulose/C60 MMMs indicates a strong interfacial interaction between polymer and fullerenes. After UV irradiation, the gas permeability coefficient of propylene and ideal separation factor of propylene/propane decreased, and new features appeared in scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images, testifying the photopolymerization reaction of C60 at a depth near to the surface. C60 could be acted as a possible replaced carrier for the separation of olefin/paraffin using membrane separation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]