| Abstract
| - In this study, we have explored the first use of the siliceous MCM-41 molecular sieve asan additive to enhance the gas permeability characteristics of a high-performance polysulfone.For all gases tested (N2, O2, CO2, CH4), the permeability increased in proportion to the weightpercent of MCM-41 present in the film. At the same time, calculated ideal selectivitiesremained almost constant irrespective of MCM-41 loading. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, supported by molecular mechanics calculations, revealed hydrogen-bonding interactions betweenpolysulfone and MCM-41. The increase in permeability, without a loss in selectivity, whichis not observed with dense silica or zeolites, suggests that using a mesoporous molecularsieve as the adsorbent additive enhances contact and penetration of the polymer.
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