Poly(benzyl ether)-type additive to engineer glassy polyimide membranes for enhanced gas separations

This conceptual study demonstrates the reinforcement of glassy polyimide membranes by incorporating a poly(benzyl ether)-type additive. Traces of the sterically bulky additive alter the overall physical properties of the entire matrix and further enhance the separation properties of small gas molecules. Molecularly designed polymer additives alter physical properties of polyimide membranes than enhance gas separation behavior, even at small concentrations.