Novel mixed-matrix membranes based on polysulfone (PS) and fullerene C60
(up to 5 wt%) have been developed. Two membrane types formed from PS and
PS-C60, a dense (diffusive) membrane and a supported membrane, consisted of a
thin PS or PS-C60 selective layer (&5 lm) on the surface of hydrophobic fluorocarbon
polymer porous support (MFFC) were studied. The effect of fullerene
incorporation on the structure and physical and chemical properties of PS
membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic
resonance, contact angle measurements, sorption experiments, and wideangle
X-ray diffraction. The transport properties of the mixed matrix membranes
containing up to 0.5 wt% fullerene were studied for the pervaporation of
ethyl acetate–water mixture. The new mixed-matrix membranes, developed in
this study, were selective to water, whereas the PS-0.5 % C60/MFFC composite
membrane was found to have the best performance.