In order to improve permeability and selectivity of membranes, especially for gas separation applications, a mixed matrix membrane was prepared from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles with 1, 1.5, 2.5 %wt. Gas permeation and separation characteristics of the membranes for nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide and helium have been studied. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were also utilized in nanoparticles and membranes characterizations. The results showed an increase in permeability for mixed matrix membranes in comparison with neat ABS membrane. Furthermore, as the nanoparticle content increased, membrane gas permeability was enhanced. The selectivity for (CO2/CH4), (CO2/N2) and (He/CH4) initially were increased by increasing CdS nanoparticle concentration up to 1 %wt in the prepared membrane and then began to decrease with more additives loading. The membrane with 2.5 %wt CdS nanoparticle content showed the highest permeability compared with others. Also, the membrane with 2.5 %wt CdS nanoparticles showed appropriate selectivity compared with the neat ABS membranes. Obtained results revealed that membranes with 1 %wt CdS nanoparticle content had the best selectivity for (CO2/CH4), (CO2/N2) and (He/CH4). Moreover, membrane thermal stability was improved in the presence of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles.
