Hybrid membranes based on SiO2/polyether-b-polyamide: Morphology and applications

Hybrid materials were prepared incorporating silica networks by the sol-gel process into the poly(amide-b-polyether) block copolymer PEBAX((R)). PEBAX ((R))/ silica hybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscop y, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray di ffraction. The pervaporation of phenol from dilute aqueous solutions throug h hybrid membranes was investigated. Films prepared with lower silica conte nts showed better dispersed inorganic networks and were more selective in t he pervaporation of phenol/water solutions. Films prepared with higher sili ca contents had a clear phase-separated morphology with lower performance i n pervaporation. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.