Gas Separation Membranes: Advances In Polymer And Mixed-Matrix Membranes For CO₂ Capture

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of advancements in polymer and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO₂ capture, focusing on their design innovations, performance enhancements, sustainability, and scalability. A total of 92 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a systematic and transparent review process. The findings highlight significant progress in polymer membranes, particularly in overcoming the permeability-selectivity trade-off through advanced techniques such as cross-linking, functional group incorporation, and polymer blending. MMMs have emerged as a transformative technology, leveraging the unique properties of inorganic fillers like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and graphene oxide to achieve superior separation performance and durability under industrial conditions. Additionally, the review emphasizes the growing focus on sustainability, with an increasing shift toward biodegradable and recyclable membranes that reduce the environmental footprint of CO₂ capture. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has further accelerated material discovery, optimized membrane design, and improved operational efficiency. Membranes' integration into broader Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) frameworks showcases their versatility in CO₂ separation, utilization, and storage applications. Despite these advancements, challenges such as material degradation under harsh conditions, cost, and scalability persist, necessitating further research and innovation. This study underscores the critical role of membrane technologies in enabling efficient and sustainable CO₂ capture, offering valuable insights for researchers and industry stakeholders working toward global decarbonization goals.