Hydrogen purification using natural zeolite-loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose membrane

Abstract

In this study, natural zeolite-loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) mixed-matrix membranes were produced and used for separation of hydrogen (H2) from carbon dioxide (CO2). Structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the mixed-matrix membranes were investigated. The effects of zeolite addition and trans-membrane pressure on the gas permeability and H2/CO2 selectivity have been evaluated. As the zeolite ratio in the membrane increased, H2/CO2 selectivity increased. The highest H2/CO2 selectivity of 8.85 was obtained using 20 wt% of natural zeolite-loaded membrane at a constant pressure difference of 4 bar. The selectivity and permeability values of 20 wt% zeolite-loaded membrane exceeded the Robeson's upper bound curve-1991.