Abstract
Cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–polyetherimide (PEI) composite membranes were prepared, in which asymmetric microporous PEI membrane prepared with phase inversion method was acted as the microporous supporting layer in the flat-plate composite membrane. Membrane characterization was conducted by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electronic microscopy analysis. The composite membranes were employed in pervaporation separation of n-heptane–thiophene mixtures. Effect of amount of PDMS, cross-linking temperature, amount of cross-linking agent, and cross-linking time on the separation efficiency of n-heptane–thiophene mixtures was investigated experimentally. Experiment results demonstrated that 80–100°°C of cross-linking temperature was more preferable for practical application, as the amount of cross-linking agent was up to 20 wt.%, and 25 wt.% of PDMS amount was more optimal as far as flux and sulfur enrichment factor were concerned. In addition, the swelling degree of and stableness of composite membrane during long-time operation were studied, which should be significant for practical application.
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Acknowledgements
The authors greatly appreciate the financial supports of the Major State Basic Research Program of China (No. 2009CB623404), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 20736003•No.20676067), National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (No.2007AA06Z317), Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No. 20070003130).
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Chen, J., Li, J., Qi, R. et al. Pervaporation Separation of Thiophene–Heptane Mixtures with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Membrane for Desulfurization. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 160, 486–497 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-008-8368-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-008-8368-z