Pervaporation (PV) is one of the most effective methods for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The application of hydrophobic membrane in PV is of significant industrial value. This study used a novel method to synthesis hydrophobic zeolitic nanoparticles (ZIF-8) and incorporate them into the polymer matrix (PEBA). The prepared mixed matrix membranes (MMM) were characterized by various techniques (FTIR, FESEM, XRD, AFM, contact angle, TGA, and DSC) and utilized for toluene/water separation in a PV process. The operational findings in terms of separation factor, total permeate flux, component flux, and PSI value were studied for nanocomposites with different filler content (5-25 wt%) at different feed concentrations and temperatures. The best separation performance was achieved for MMM with 15% ZIF-8 at 30 °C and 300 ppm. The total flux enhanced from 302 to 343 g/m2.h compared to the neat membrane. In this condition, separation factor, and PSI value were obtained as 446, and 153120 g/m2.h, respectively. Incorporating of 15% hydrophobic ZIF-8 significantly improved separation factor, and PSI value by 904, and 1065%, respectively, compared to the pure membrane.

Keywords