LAUSR

The macroscopic modelling of gas transport in PIM-1/silicalite-1 (MFI) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) is compared to the experimental results presented in a previous paper, which showed unexpectedly large gas separation factors, although the silicalite-1 filler is practically non selective. The mismatch between the predictions of the Maxwell model and the experiments is zeroed by the recognition of non-ideal effects, the extent of which is evaluated. The good performance of the PIM-1 MMM is explained by non-covalent cross-linking of the PIM-1 matrix. Crosslinking results from π-π stacking interactions between the 2-phenylethyl grafts on the outer surface of the MFI crystals and the aromatic ladder segments of PIM-1, in agreement with the current explanation of the good transport performance of PIM-1 MMMs containing porous aromatic fillers (e.g., PAF-1). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.