Mixed Matrix Membrane Based on Polyether‐Block‐Amide Modified With Cu‐Based Metal–Organic‐Framework for Pervaporation and Gas Separation Applications

ABSTRACT

For the first time, this study reports the development and investigation of dual‐function mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBA) modified with the copper‐based metal–organic framework HKUST‐1, possessing advanced properties and designed for pervaporation (PV) and gas separation (GS). A systematic study of HKUST‐1 incorporation (5–15 wt%) into PEBA revealed that optimal 10 wt% loading improved permeation flux and selectivity by 1.9‐ and 1.1‐fold, respectively, for isopropanol/water (5/95 wt%) separation. The supported membrane showed a 10.5‐fold increase in flux over dense PEBA. Furthermore, PV of isopropanol/phenol aqueous mixtures at elevated temperatures and GS tests confirmed sustained enhanced transport properties with higher permeability. Specifically, the CO ₂ and CH ₄ permeabilities increased by 24.4% and 165.3%, respectively, compared to the unmodified supported membrane. To elucidate the structure–property relationships, various techniques (Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, water contact angle, and swelling degree measurements) were employed. DFT calculations were performed to investigate non‐covalent interactions in hypothetical molecular associates. The demonstrated efficiency in both PV and GS underscores the versatility of PEBA/HKUST‐1 MMMs, positioning them as promising candidates for advanced membrane processes.