Mixed-Matrix Organo-Silica-Hydrotalcite Membrane for CO₂ Separation Part 1: Synthesis and Analytical Description

Hydrotalcite exhibits the capability to adsorb CO2 at elevated temperatures. High surface
area and favorable coating properties are essential to harness its potential for practical applications.
Stable alcohol-based dispersions are needed for thin film applications of mixed membranes containing
hydrotalcite. Currently, producing such dispersions without the need for delamination and
dispersing agents is a challenging task. This work introduces, for the first time, a manufacturing
approach to overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. It includes a synthesis of hydrotalcite
nanoparticles, followed by agent-free delamination of their layers and final dispersion into alcohol
without dispersing agents. Further, the hydrotalcite-derived sorption agent is dispersed in a matrix
based on organo-silica gels derived from 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE). The analytical results
indicate that the interconnection between hydrotalcite and BTESE-derived gel occurs via forming a
strong hydrogen bonding system between the interlayer species (OH groups, CO3
2−) of hydrotalcite
and oxygen and silanol active gel centers. These findings lay the foundation for applications involving
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incorporating hydrotalcite-like compounds into silica matrices, ultimately enabling the development
of materials with exceptional mass transfer properties. In part 2 of this study, the gas separation
performance of the organo-silica and the hydrotalcite-like materials and their combined form will
be investigated.