Creating a Defect Free Mixed Matrix Membrane using Annealing

The objective of this project is to eliminate the gaps that are formed when nanoparticles bond with polymer membranes in order to improve gas separation with an emphasis on carbon dioxide capture. It has been seen that thermally annealing electospun polymer mats embedded with nanoparticles, with pure polymer film casted membranes, via a temperature cycle yields the best results. The differing of solvents during the annealing process also makes a difference. So far the solvents of choice are Dichloromethane (DCM) and Acetone. Once a temperature cycle can be perfected, SEM images will be taken to study any existing gaps.