Abstract
Novel spirobisindane-containing thermally rearranged (TR) benzoxazole(spiroTR-PBO) membranes were prepared by thermal treatment of four newly synthesized spirobisindane-containing hydroxyl-polyimides (spiroHPIs). Transport properties of spirobisindane-containing polymers were investigated along with fractional free volume and density measurements, as well as molecular simulation analysis. The resulting spiroTR-PBOs exhibited high free volumes and superior mechanical properties in terms of elongation and tensile strength, and these findings were supported by molecular dynamic simulations. SpiroTR-PBO membranes containing hexafluoroisopropylidene moiety in the polymer backbone showed a six-fold increase in CO2 permeability, compared to that of the spiroHPI precursor. SpiroTR-PBO membranes showed strong potential to be applied in carbon capture and separation of gases because of their high gas permeability coupled with robust mechanical properties. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-147 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Membrane Science |
Volume | 434 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2013 |
Keywords
- CCS
- CO2 separation
- High fractional free volume
- Polymer membrane
- Thermally rearranged membrane