Deep Eutectic Solvent-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica SBA-15-Based Mixed Matrix Polymeric Membranes for Mitigation of CO2 †

Abstract

In this research, a novel DES (choline chloride + decanoic acid) was synthesized, and SBA-15 was functionalized by the DES to form a DES-SBA filler to fabricate MMMs. DES-SBA-based MMMs at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were synthesized and evaluated. The DES-SBA-based MMMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Gas permeation tests were applied to the pure and mixed gas samples, and the results of the permeability and selectivity (CO2/CH4, and CO2/N2) of the membranes are reported. DES modification of SBA-15 increased the efficiency of the synthesized MMMs in comparison with the pristine polysulfone membrane.