Effect of UV irradiation on PC membrane and use of Pd nanoparticles with/without PVP for H2 selectivity enhancement over CO2 and N2 gases

The hydrogen-based economy is one of the possible approaches toward to eliminate the problem of global warming, which are increases because of the gathering of greenhouse gases. Palladium (Pd) is well-known material having a strong affinity to the hydrogen absorbing property and thus appropriate material to embed in the membrane for the improvement of selective permeation of hydrogen gas. In present work, we have functionalized polycarbonate (PC) membranes with the help of UV irradiation to embed the Pd nanoparticles in pores as well as on the surface of the PC membrane. Use of Pd Nanoparticles is helpful to enhance the H₂ selectivity over other gases (CO₂, N_2, etc.). Also, the UV based modification of membrane increases the attachment of Pd Nanoparticles. Further to enhance the Pd nanoparticles attachment, we used PVP binder with Pd nanoparticles solution. Gas permeability measurements of functionalized PC membranes have been carried out, and better selectivity of hydrogen has been found in the functionalized and Pd nanoparticle binded membrane. PC membrane with 48 h UV irradiated and Pd NPs with PVP have been found to have maximum selectivity and permeability for H₂ gas. All the samples being characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy for their morphological and structural investigation.