Metal substituted sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) hybrid membranes with magnetic fillers for gas separation

Magnetic inorganic-organic hybrid membranes based on metal (Na+ and Fe2+) substituted sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) matrix and magnetic powders were prepared and characterized. It was stated that the magnetic membrane's gas transport parameters (D, P, S and α) were improved with the rise of membrane's saturation magnetization, remanence, magnetic particle content and type of polymer matrix. The modification of a polymer matrix by metal substitution and incorporation of magnetic powder had significantly changed membrane's magnetic, mechanical (Rm and E) and rheological (G′ and G″) properties. Especially the introduction of Fe2+ ions (much higher magnetic susceptibility compared to Na+), and their potential interaction with magnetic powder resulted in improved properties. The mechanical and rheological parameters of the tested membranes were improved by the increase of the magnetic filler addition and selection of appropriate type of polymer matrix. The best resistance to elastic deformation had the hybrid FeSPPO membrane with high filler addition.