Comparison of functional groups in polymer/Ag nanoparticles/electron acceptor composite membranes for olefin/paraffin separation

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP)/p‐benzoquinone (p‐BQ) composite membrane for olefin/paraffin separation was investigated. The selectivity and permeance of the membrane were determined to be about 1 and 0.4 GPU, respectively, which are relatively low compared with those of a previously reported poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/AgNP/p‐BQ composite membrane. The structure of the AgNPs surface was modified with the electron acceptor p‐BQ to induce positive charges. The interactions between the olefins and the polarized surface of the AgNPs in the highly permeable PVA matrix were expected to yield excellent separation performance. However, the hydroxyl groups of PVA did not sufficiently stabilize and polarize the AgNPs, compared with those of PEO/AgNP/p‐BQ. The coordinative interactions of the PVA/AgNP/p‐BQ membrane were characterized by Fourier transform infrared measurements. The size distribution of the particles was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1165–1169, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers