Fabrication of PEG-Polyimide Copolymer Hollow Fiber Membranes for Gas Separation

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized polyimide based novel polymeric materials using PEG monomer with excellent carbon dioxide selective property and then we estimated the solubility parameter of the synthesized polymer to select the asymmetric membrane preparing conditions. Also we measured the viscosity of the polymer solution to check the polymer contents in the membrane solution and prepared an asymmetric membrane with LiNO3 additives. The morphology and gas separation property of the membranes prepared by phase separation method were confirmed using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and a single gas permeation measurement apparatus. We confirmed that the carbon dioxide permeance of the membrane decreased and the selectivity increased with the contents of volatile solvent. Based on these results, hollow fiber spinning was carried out and optimal spinning conditions were established according to several parameters. The carbon dioxide permeance of the prepared hollow fiber membranes was found to increase. However, the CO2/N-2 selectivity of the hollow fiber membrane changed due to the skin layer of the membrane.