Enhanced gas transport properties in silica nanoparticle filler-polystyrene nanocomposite membranes

In this paper, first, the pure dense membrane by polystyrene was made through the solution casting method at various concentrations and then the silica nanoparticles were added in different weight percentages to the pure membrane. The best permeability result for CO2 and N-2 in pure polymer membrane was achieved in concentration of 10 wt% of high-impact polystyrene (HPS). Also, the impact of increasing the pressure of the tested gases was examined on permeability and selectivity of nanocomposite membrane. The results indicated, with the pressure increasing, the permeability coefficient of tested gases is reduced. The best selectivity of CO2 to N-2 was obtained in nanocomposite membrane containing 4 wt% silica nanoparticles in HPS.