Mixed matrix composite (MMC) membranes with minimal macrovoids and defects
are provided by the current invention. MMC Membranes are needed that have
minimal macrovoids and defects, provide consistent and good selectivity
and permeability performance, provide the mechanical strength required to
withstand high membrane differential pressures, and exhibit sufficient
flexibility and can easily be formed into desirable membrane forms. MMC
Membranes made from a spinning dope that is stabilized with an
electrostabilizing additive, particularly an acid additive, results in
membranes, particularly hollow fiber membranes that have minimal
macrovoids and defects. Thus, membranes of the current invention are
particularly suitable for high trans-membrane pressure applications,
particularly for separating oxygen/nitrogen, hydrogen/hydrocarbon, and
carbon dioxide/hydrocarbon components of a stream.