Optimization of CO₂/CH₄ Separation Efficiency of Titania Incorporated PEI-PVAc Composite Membranes through Response Surface Methodology

This study examines the optimization of CO₂/CH₄ separation utilizing polyetherimide (PEI)-polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) blend membranes augmented by TiO₂ nanoparticles. This study utilizes membrane-based separation procedures, preferred over traditional methods due to their environmental and economic advantages. The gas permeance and selectivity of the membranes were evaluated using a custom gas permeation unit, with variations in temperature, pressure, and nanoparticle composition. A combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) was utilized to forecast and enhance the process elements influencing separation efficiency. The research indicates that TiO₂ nanoparticles markedly improve the separation efficiency of membranes, with the ideal concentration determined to maximize CO₂ permeance while decreasing CH₄ permeance. The experimental results confirmed the predictive accuracy of the created models, evidenced by a R² value of 0.9813, indicating a strong fit. The results highlight the promise of nanoparticle-enhanced membranes in industrial applications.