DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMIDE MEMBRANES FOR PERVAPORATION DEHYDRATION OF ISOPROPANOL

Abstract

Highly pure isopropanol is commonly applied in the different chemical process; however, isopropanol-Water mixtures form an azeotrope. Pervaporation is one of the best candidates for alcohol/water separation. Though, it is still a challenge to achieve a high flux robust pervaporation membrane with an acceptable selectivity. Therefore, this work focused on the fabrication of high-performance pervaporation membranes for IPA-Water separations. Firstly, a new strategy for in situ micro-pores formations with a regulated pores size and distribution in membranes was designed. Secondly, a novel mixed matrix membrane (MMM) consisting of cross-linkable polyimide and ammonia functionalized graphene oxide (NHGO) particles was devised. Thirdly, taking the benefits of high selectivity properties of P84 and high permeability characteristics of carboxylated PIM-1 (cPIM-1), a new type of cPIM-1/P84 blend membranes was developed. Lastly, a new inhomogeneous coating method was employed to patch surface defects of hollow fiber substrate without compromising membrane’s permeability.